How Could You Love Me?

Zo

 

  He was sitting up slowly before Sekido told him to stop,
  "Okay, that's enough. Just stay put."
"B-big brother... I think I'll be fine..." Aizetsu looked towards me, "but.. thank you. For the tea." He smiled weakly at me... he must feel terrible.. I handed him his drink and we all started talking about the dinner and how school went.

"I've heard the name Tanjiro before.. just don't know his face.." Karaku hummed to himself, smirking. "He's been talking about some friend. But never says who. Maybe it's him?" He looked over at Sekido.
"How the hell am I supposed to know? I don't know him." He said coldly,
"Right, right... you know no one, brother." Karaku teased,
"I actually have him for math.." They all looked at me,
"Really?" Sekido asked,
"Yeah. He's pretty nice. He's a kind person." I messed with my skirt, "Him and his friend Zenitsu have a project with me. We finished the day it was assigned, so we basically had free time today and for all the days we have left on it.." They all listened and Karaku turned away, staring at his feet. But Aizetsu was quiet. So I looked at him and he caught my gaze.
  "W..what's wrong?" He asked with worry in his voice.
  "Nothing... you're just quite." I smiled,
  "Oh, sorry. I was just thinking.."
  "About?" I raised an eyebrow,
  "Urogi..." This caught all of our attention and we stared at him, waiting for him to finish. "Well. He's been acting a bit weird since Sunday.. wait, no- actually, yeah.."
  "Well make up your damn mind." Sekido said in a firm tone.
"He was pretty weird Sunday morning.. And I also caught him smoking some weed in his room, but he stopped once he saw me.."
  "Why?" I asked,
  "Because I don't like the smell, but I was only passing by. I didn't really mind.. but he smiled and apologized when he put it out." He sounded like he wanted to say more. "But... today.. he seemed.. different? He was a bit more happy, but also chill.. I dunno how to explain it.." Now thinking about it, he did seem a bit weird today. Especially when I asked about Tanjiro... Wait..! My eyes lit up and my mouth slightly opened, and Sekido took notice.
  "What is it?"
  "Well... I think I know who's making him seem.. different." Aizetsu side eyed me and looked to his tea. "Aizetsu?"  I carried his name with a lot of curiosity.. "Do you know something we don't?" I grinned, raising an eyebrow. He sighed softly,
  "Maybe... but, who do you think it is..?" My eyes widened,
  "Tanjiro," He nodded sharply after I said his name. Yes was the only thing he said before drinking his tea. "So.. but why? Are they friends, friends?" Aizetsu smirked but didn't say anything, and Karaku laughed slightly to himself. Me and Sekido were a bit confused, but decided to drop it.

"I'll see y'all later!" I said walking off, grabbing my bag off the floor next to their front door. I then saw their baby brother; he looked at me as if he wished death upon me... I slowly waved goodbye to him, but he turned away and walked into the kitchen. I smiled awkwardly with my mouth slightly open, my hand still up but kinda curled up... man... I only wanted to say bye..
"Be careful, y/n!" I heard Aizetsu's voice coming from his room, Sekido wouldn't let him get up.
"Come on," Sekido opened the door and looked a bit annoyed.
"O-oh.. you're walking me?"
"Yes,"
"You really don't have to-"
"Shut it, it's late." He said it in such a calm manner. His voice genuine.
"Okay."
We were close to my place, the wind was getting heavy against my skin. I still felt the clog in my chest trying to break free, but won't. I could feel my face burning up. I didn't realize that still being this close to him would make me feel this way... He caught wind of my demeanor and tapped my hand with his finger lightly.
"What's up?" He glanced at me, "you haven't been talking.. to me. Did I do something?" That last part sounded a bit forced, like he didn't know if he should've asked it or not but made himself ask it anyway.
"No... just school and.. well, you know. Jess." Every time I say his name, my voice burns and my chest tightens. I can feel my own voice shake through my bones and feel my breath leaving my mouth.
"Yeah, I've.. been meaning to ask about that." He scratched the back of his head, "How.. have you been holding up.." I stared at him for a second.
"I don't know," I lied, and he sighed an, Oh, before tucking his hands into his pockets. The rest of the walk home was quiet, but it wasn't awkward. Well, for me it wasn't.
When we got home, I thanked him and said we should meet up again. Just the two of us. And he looked a bit taken aback but agreed by smiling. I did the same before saying thanks one last time and shut the door. As I was walking away, I heard a knock on my door. I reopen the door and see him there; flustered?
"Sorry.. but here." He handed me a folded up piece of paper, "Goodnight." Then he did something that took me by surprise.. he.. patted my head.. He slowly brought it up, hesitant, but patted me. As he did that, I looked at his legs.. I didn't want to move because I think I didn't want to ruin this moment we shared. He walked away before he could even let me say something.. So I stood there watching him disappear and I shut the door. When I did that, I rested my back against it and slid down slowly, and opening the paper..