Butterflies' Dance - [A Kimetsu No Yaiba Full Story]

Chapitre 10

   Today, Miss Kocho gathered them on stage. Apparently, she had something important to tell them.

   Excitement bubbled up in Nezuko's small body whilst her brother stayed impassive. She wondered if he knew what was going on, as they sat on the velvet front row seats.

   She kept trembling. Was it because of anticipation or cold ? To be fair, she was dressed in her usual dancing attire and the air was fresh.

   Not long after followed the two boys she became friends with.

   She was a bit of a troublemaker with the younger one ;  he reminded her of their siblings, dead siblings. Theoldest of them four had been quite charming recently, she had to admit. He didnot call her nicknames she was not comfortable with, offered her small gifts —like flowers — and spent time with her while her brother was away, the gingerone having started his new job, gaining enough money for her to pursue herdream, which she would be forever grateful for. She knew it was hard for him, for both of them. They had to make the other happy in order not to feel pitiful.

   The blond one took her small hand in his, approached it of his lips — earning a meaningful glare from the one at her right —, and sat next to her. He questioned her, did small talks, as she wrote down her answers. From the corner of her eyes she saw the black haired girls — Kanao and Aoi — arriving. They were followed by the seamstress, the three little ones, and the man in scarf.

   How exceptional that everyone was there ! She was not sure for the other, but, each member of their group Inosuke proudly named "Kamaboko Group", had to work at some point. Each member, except her, and guilt grew in her stomach.

 "Woah ! Nezuko, you are freezing. Do you want me to sit closer ?" This intonation sounded flirty. Did he remark she was troubled ?

   She refused, shaking her head, gripping at her notebook.

 "Then, I suppose I should give my jacket to this shivering lady."

   She was about to refuse. However, the meeting of his amber irises paralyzed her, giving him the time to hung it on her shoulders.

 "Aw. You look adorable in my clothes, let us marry." he proposed taking her hand in both of his, which she took back, turning her nose in the air. It was a... peculiar way of joking, but she played along, not seeing how it could affect their relationship.

   In front of them, clapping her hands to stop their banter, the little woman stood. When she was sure the spectator would be silent, she started.

 "I have an announcement to make."

     The fist at her right clenched.

   Tanjiro definitely knew something about it.

 "I have the honor to tell you that we are going to have a representation at the end of the trimester."

   Cheers erupted, smiles were drawn. He was the only one who seemed to half enjoy this fantastic news. She put her hand on his, and he let their fingers intertwine. As long as they had each other, everything would be just right.

 "I cannot believe it !"

 - Now we have to work twice harder."

 - Kaonai. I am hungry."

 - Not now, boar."

 - I am so exalted. I cannot wait to work on the costumes. Do you not feel the same ?"

   Excited voices made a ruckus that was heart-warming. Getting closer to their dream, was that not amazing ?

   Only Kanao stayed behind.

   With small, hasty steps, she went to her, writing down :
 "Are you okay ? You seem lost in thoughts."

   She contemplated, tossed her coin, — did she had it every time ? —, falling on the back of her hand.

 "Kanao !"

 Startled, it fell on the floor, in between two wooden planks.

 "I am sorry, did I scare you ?" obliviously inquired Tanjiro, smiling

   She had a distressed look as she looked around, opening and closing her mouth. She was flushed, and the fact that she was stuck, not being able to make any choice was no better.

   The sharp gaze of the twin tailed girl stayed on them, until she got involved.

 "What happened ?"

 - M–My..."

 - She lost her coin."

   The teenagers, alongside the triplets, searched and tried to take it off. Unfortunately, nothing worked. They tried to cheer her up, but their conversation soon became unbearable and she left running.

   The two toned haired girl tugged on a sleeve, taking this person apart. 
"Thou didst that on purpose, didst thou not ?"

 - No !" After a silence, Tanjiro timidly said : "I did not think it would go that far. Dost thou think she is mad at me ?"

   She shot him a jaded look.

 "Thou art right. I will go apologize."

   With that, he ran, leaving her behind.

   He softly knocked on the door.

 "Kanao ?"

   Why did his voice had to break ?

 "Kanao ?" he tried again "I am coming in."

   He saw her, unmoving, unresponsive on her bed. Tanjiro sat, the mattress crushing under his weight, making her slide on his side.

 "I am sorry. I was being selfish. It is my fault, after all. You told me it was important and..."

   Her Mythical Purple orbs fixated him intensely.

 "What I am trying to say is that I am sorry. I was being stupid. You can — I don't know — punch me, scream at me, I..." He closed his eyes, waiting for the surge of rage.

   He felt a weak hit on top of his skull. His rubies snapped open, watching the falling tears on her cheeks. She did not have the strength to be mad at him, and it twisted his insides. The more they dived in each other's pond, in a silent agreement, he took her frail figure in his arms.

   He was feeling bad. Nuzzling in her jasmine and cyclamen hair, his own sorrows escaped. They found comfort in each other's arm.

   It was starting to become a long time ; neither did mind. She rested against his chest, fists closed. He played with her hair, bathing in her alluring scent.

   When his sister opened the door, and sakura fell on the pair, they ripped away from their embrace, ending sheepishly the conversation.

   Whether it was someone who ran across them that tortured them, or solitude giving them too much time to think, both their heart had fluttered, and hoped for more.