Blissful [Shinazugawa Sanemi]

Chapter 22

"Good day to you, Shinazugawa!"

Sanemi turned his head when he heard a loud voice greeting him. He simply hummed at the Flame Pillar. Although he hates it when someone shouts at him, he doesn't mind this particular person because he's such a good guy.

"Are you heading somewhere after this?" Rengoku Kyojuro asked, his lips displaying his usual bright smile.

The two just walked out of the headquarters and Rengoku deliberately greeted Sanemi with no reason. Sanemi raised a brow at him, confused.

"How did you know?" Sanemi asked.

"You look quite absent-minded today! Usually you'd be the most aggressive one when it comes to a meeting that discusses Kibutsuji." Rengoku stated. "Is there something on your mind? I'd be more than glad to help!"

Sanemi clicked his tongues at him. Deep down in his heart, he was touched by his fellow comrade's action. He just can't show it to him. Besides, he wasn't that close to Rengoku. Why would he tell him his plans for today?

Sanemi blinked in realization.

"You... know someone named Shiori, right?" Sanemi asked.

"Shiori?" Rengoku's smile vanished, his face turning into a surprised one.

"It's been a long time since the last time I heard that name. The Shiori I know is Kanroji's closest friend." He said.

"Yeah, her."

Rengoku tilted his head, "Do you know her, Shinazugawa?"

"Kind of." Sanemi looked away from Rengoku, feeling bad for lying. "Anyway, how did the two of you meet each other?"

"Kanroji brought her to me... It was around three years ago, if I remember correctly. I wasn't even a pillar back then." Rengoku recalled.

"Kanroji found out that Shiori was fighting demons without using or knowing what breaths are. She brought her to me so I can train her but unfortunately, she couldn't learn flame breathing."

"She created her own breathing instead. She's amazing." Rengoku nodded, his smile returning.

"I heard from Kanroji that she's getting married next year."

Rengoku noticed how Sanemi flinched when he said that. Placing his index finger and thumb on his chin, he pondered for a moment before asking.

"By the way Shinazugawa, how did you manage to get to know her?"

"Kanroji introduced her to me and Iguro." Sanemi mumbled.

"So, are you on your way to see her right now?" Rengoku asked and he nodded.

"I see! So that's why you look so distracted earlier! You must've felt worried about meeting someone else's betrothed!" Rengoku concluded with a laugh. Sanemi could only stare at him with his jaws opened in shock.

"Don't worry, Shinazugawa! She's not the type to cheat on her own soon-to-be husband!"

Sanemi clicked his tongue. To be honest, Rengoku was right about him worrying about spending time with Shiori. He just doesn't want Izuru to hit her for hanging out with him. But Rengoku's last words pissed him off.

"If you're meeting her, do you mind if I come along?" Rengoku asked.

Sanemi recalled how Shiori avoided Rengoku because he knew how Shiori kept getting hurt with no reason. If Sanemi brought him to meet her, would she be okay? He doesn't want to make her uncomfortable but at the same time, Sanemi knew Shiori wanted to apologize to the guy for avoiding him.