Therefore, You and Me • TanZen × ZenTan | Highschool AU

Chapter 10: A Glance

It had been a few days since Tanjiro and Zenitsu moved from Agatsuma's house to Inosuke's house.

Just like what Inosuke promised, his mother welcomed them warmly with open arms. She didn't question them at all—most likely because Inosuke already explained the situation to her. It felt pretty good since Tanjiro and Zenitsu weren't able to do anything or go anywhere when they were inside Agatsuma's house. Meanwhile, they're free to explore Inosuke's house and learn more about the world's advanced technology. Stuff like a television, albeit a small one. Or maybe a fridge and an oven. How to bake cookies or heat up hot milk in the microwave.

"I know this is another world and all but... Is this what our future will look like?", Zenitsu asked, amazed.

They can even sometimes visit some places in town with Inosuke at night. Inosuke felt like he was the big brother (despite actually being the youngest) as he bought them clothes to wear, taught them how to do things, and winni— playing a lot in the arcade with them. Definitely not because he keeps losing to Kamado and Agatsuma whenever they visit an arcade. They particularly like playing a certain battle versus game called "The Hinokami Chronicles". It was a new experience for the only child and he didn't hate it.

The sun was setting so they used the train to head back home. The train window was open and the wind howled in, blowing away Zenitsu's hair. Zenitsu was tired from playing against Inosuke all day and slept, leaning on the train's walls. Inosuke notices the train bumps a lot. He told Tanjiro to rest Zenitsu's head on his shoulders instead while he closes the window. Tanjiro quickly agrees. His cheeks flushed a bit.

.

.

"Hey, Inosuke?"

"Huh? What's up, Tanjiro?"

"We appreciate you spending time with us but are you spending your time properly with, you know... your real friends, our other selves?"

Hearing Tanjiro's worries left Inosuke a bit dumbfounded. Inosuke laughed his heart out loud, touched by Tanjiro, and reassures him.

"I play a lot with those guys at school. Heck, they're probably glad I'm no longer bothering them 24/7 anymore," Inosuke smiles playfully. "And what do you mean 'real friends'? To me, Tanjiro, you are also my real friend! Oh, and Zenitsu too I guess." Inosuke looks at the sleeping Zenitsu and pinches his cheek. Zenitsu mumbles in annoyance, slapping Inosuke's hand away.

Tanjiro feels warm. He's glad that even in this world, Inosuke is still his friend. "Thank you, Inosuke." Inosuke ruffles Tanjiro's hair while grinning, "No problem. You should sleep too. It's been a pretty long day."

Tanjiro nods. He thinks back to a question Zenitsu once asked him. 

"I know this is another world and all but... Is this what our future will look like?"

When his family... was alive and well, he had to grow up faster than others and work hard to earn money. Even when he became a demon slayer, he kept working and getting hurt for the sake of his precious little sister. Not that he minds at all. After all, being able to help his mother and take care of his family was something he himself wanted.  But it has been a while since he ever had time to relax. To not think about any demons attacking and just enjoy the present.

"This world is really... peaceful."

Tanjiro commented as he closes his eyes and goes back to enjoying the sunset wind casually blowing once in a while.

Inosuke had heard about the details of their world from Agatsuma. While they're here, Inosuke wants both of them to have a lot of fun. An idea suddenly pops up.