𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋

𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

For the next few days, I hadn't seen muzan. But I was sent messages and gifts. I wondered when I was leaving, I had mentally prepared myself already. I knew I was going to cry, and I knew how I was going to console myself. I hadn't spoken to my family members much, since I had been told what would become of me by Muzan. I hadn't seen my brother lately, he was always in his room, and he seldom left. My mother would always take his food to him, but he'd never come out to eat with us.

Even though I felt resentment towards my family, I still loved them... I knew this resentment would die down. I wanted my brother to be well as well, and with me gone, perhaps they could afford treatment.. so, I was coming to terms with this arrangement. I received another gift earlier that night. my mother handed it to me with a smile, and I couldn't help but feel excited to see what it was. Even if I didn't know muzan well, or at all in fact. He made very sweet gestures, and it always warmed my heart to know that someone at least cared about me in that way.

I took the wrapped box, entered my room, and sat, frantically untying the silk bow, that sealed the box. The fabric fell once I did, and I observed the box. It seemed like it was jewelry until I opened the box to find it, it was a comb for my hair... I raised it. It was a comb. It was made of the finest, and smoothest tsuge wood I'd ever seen. It was adorned with gold ornaments and beautiful flowers on the side. I don't know how to describe it, because I didn't observe it, instead, I put in my hair right away.

And I was right on time because right then, I felt a presence in the room. I quickly finished arranging the comb in my hair, before I turned around, to find Muzan standing right before me. I bowed, with a smile. I was happy with the gift, it was a wonderful gesture.

"Thank you for the gift, muzan.."

I'd made my mind up, the night he told me his name, never to call him sir again. It seemed that we had quickly become aquatinted with each other because he didn't seem to mind at all. I sat on the tatami mat, pouring the tea that sat on the chabudai, waiting and almost getting cold. I poured it into the cup, before I offered it to him, gesturing for him to take it.

But instead of taking it this time, he gestured for me to keep it aside, crossing his legs. I noticed just then, that he seemed tense. I raised my brows slightly, before placing the cup back on the chabudai. Muzan, reached into his pocket, revealing that he had a small box. It looked like it contained a ring inside, but when he opened it, I felt confused.

The box contained herbs, I wondered why he would keep herbs in a box. He handed the box to me. And now I wondered if it was for me. But I soon realized it wasn't when he spoke.

"Boil the tea for me."

He spoke, waving his hand. I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. Was I some sort of maid? Why would order me like that? She furrowed my brows slightly as I walked out, of my room, closing the door. I walked into the kitchen, placing the herbs in a kyusu before I poured hot water into it. I stared at the floor for a moment, looking back into the kyusu, to see if the water had changed color.

By now the fumes of the tea had filled the air, it smelled rather refreshing, but a bit odd if I'm being honest, almost like the bark or leaves had been left to ferment, If that was even possible.

I took it back into my room, sitting down on the tatami mat, I poured a cup for Muzan, before I sat in front of him again. He took the cup this time, without me having to hold it up for him. It was almost as if this tea was a medicine.. or something he had been craving. He took a big sip, before he leaned his head back, sighing. I stared, puzzled, but when he kept his cup down, I looked away.

It was considered rude, to stare at a guest. Someone you don't even know for that matter. I finally spoke after some time.

"What are the herbs?"

Muzan raised his brows, his eyes landing on me, though his head was still leaning back against the wall. he was peering down at me, and I felt as if he didn't want to answer the question.

"Gyokuro, it has a rather calming effect."

Before I knew it, I spoke again. I didn't mean to be rude, but I wanted to converse so badly and get rid of the silence that I couldn't help but as a rather personal question.

"Calming? Did something happen, that upset you?"

Muzan stared at me for a moment before he sat up properly, letting go of that relaxed posture he once had before.

"I don't think there's any need for such questions, but if you must know... I ran into some trouble earlier today, with a colleague of mine."

I almost regretted it, but hearing the rest of his words my mind calmed itself. I nodded, watching him drink the rest of the tea. He handed me the cup, and I assumed he wanted me to pour more. I did so, as I spoke up again. Since there was no need for personal questions about himself, I could ask about myself then, couldn't I?

"What am I going to do.. when I leave? Where am I going to stay?"

I said, placing the kyusu, down on the small table in front of me, before going over and handing him the cup. He took another sip before answering my question.

"With me of course.. but you'll have certain, tasks to do if you can sit in one place."

Of course, I couldn't! Did he mean I'd be a maid? I didn't quite mind, because I was so used to being one for my brother, that it didn't matter as long as I wasn't being treated horribly, horrible in the sense that I'd want to kill everyone in the household.. oh yes, I've had such thoughts, just never acted on them.

"What kind.. of tasks?"

My eyes landed on him but turns out he was already staring. We made eye contact, and I couldn't help but keep it.. his eyes were fascinating.. their color, and what I thought I saw inside them.. he kept his teacup down, standing, and I stood as well. Ready to escort him outside, hoping I'd get an answer. I got an answer, one that filled me with curiosity.

"I'll think about it."