Cold hearted (KyojuroxReader)

Chapter 46:Books

~*Kyojuro's POV*~
     Is it possible for someone to feel so invited, but absolutely unwanted at the same time- - at a place, desperately trying to keep you in as it is pulling you out? Would you be able to bear the confusion when you're almost being torn apart?

     I have no intentions of leaving, letting this tugging match beat me, I made it a point to navigate my way back here after accepting the offer from (y,n)'s father! ... Though, the hole being burned into my head, hollowing out to the other side; that would make many others dash for the nearest exit. No matter the gaping spot in my temples, I won't leave my seat.

     She'd probably fancy that, though.

     Drinking the beverage that (c,n) gifted me gets but a fraction of my mind off the tense air that only I can seem to recognize, practically dripping out from the hole that's burnt through me. (f,n)'s daughter hasn't even touched her drink, letting it grow cold with her back neglectfully turned to it. She stares out the open door in the commons room-' looks like she's waiting for an opportunity to retreat.

     She didn't seem very welcome to the idea of having my attendance... she almost smashed my fingers in the doorway when she caught a whiff of my face. Tough crowd, huh?

     "-We're so delighted to have you over, Kyojuro! You can't imagine how bright my day is to have you here!"

     "Glad to be a guest of yours, I was so shocked when you noticed me at the market earlier!" The man... he scared me half out of my sandals when he practically appeared out of thin air, asking me to pay a visit for the afternoon. I almost want to think his stealth runs in the family, (y,n) definitely picked up on it.

     "He's been talking about you non-stop! You should've heard him after you left, those weeks ago!" The Ice Hashira's cousin beamed on her side of the Kotatsu table. She's all dolled up this time, makeup and hair on point to match with that fancy kimono of hers.

     "Well, I'm always delighted to be invited to such a lovely family! My line of work does keep me rather detached from normality like this." I mentioned gladly, taking the last of the Senbei that (y,n) father made.

     "(Y,n) can probably relate to me, I'm convinced she works more than I do!" I gently attempted to invite my associate into the conversation, her back remaining turned to us all. Her shoulder dropped a little at the silence after my comment, the table waiting for her input.

     "... I usually sleep through the daytime, I got used to it." She mumbled, letting my effort fall flat.

     "(n,n), I'm so happy you have someone like Kyojuro to keep you company on the job! He must be positively delightful~" (y,n)'s father  addressed her sweetly while he sat next to her at the kotatsu, shaking her arm as he spoke. I briefly caught her eyes soften at his glee, her tension gradually easing.

     "You'd be surprised. He drives me up the walls, I think he talks way too much." She almost seemed to joke with him, getting him to laugh deeply. I took to a ginger smile to see her relaxing, resting my head against my hand as I admired their bond.

     "-Well someone's gotta make up for all the talking you're NOT doing!" (Y,n) quickly lost all motivation for the conversation when her cousin chimed back in, her own comment making the eldest relative lose his mind. He slapped his palm against his thigh as he guffawed, his laughter shaking the floor whilst he failed to notice how his daughter shrank in on herself to avoid (c,n)'s attention. Huh..

     I have no volition against the immediate thought towards the dynamic between (c,n) and (y,n); besides their physical traits, they're total opposites. While such a phenomenon evolved to peacefully coexist for (y,n) I, it's a contrast that's eating her alive, now. It reminds me of how poor our relationship used to be, I feel awful, realizing she might've been miserable back then, too.