{LOTUS} Sanemi Shinazugawa x Fem!Reader

Seeds of Destiny

chapter one

You flopped onto your bed, exhaustion weighing heavy on your shoulders. Kagaya Ubuyashiki's monotonous lectures always left you drained, even if they were meant to inspire and motivate you. The importance of the demon slayer corps was undeniable, but sometimes, you wished for a break from the constant weight of responsibility.

Just as your eyes began to droop, your phone pierces through the silence with an incoming call. Mitsuri's name flashes on the screen, and you muster up enough energy to answer. 

"Hey, Mitsuri. Is everything alright?" you answer, your voice laced with weariness.

"Hey, Y/N! I'm throwing a party at my place tonight. You have to come!" Mitsuri's voice bubbles with enthusiasm.

You hesitate for a moment, feeling the fatigue in your bones. "I appreciate the invitation, Mitsuri, but I'm really tired. I think I'll pass this time."

Mitsuri giggles mischievously. "Oh, come on! Don't be a party pooper. It's going to be so much fun! And guess what? Everyone is staying over! So, grab your comfy clothes and bring your toothbrush. It's a sleepover!"

Your eyes widen in surprise. "Everyone? Are you serious? You really want them all in one place for the whole night..."

Mitsuri's voice then becomes more playful. "Yep! And who knows? Maybe it's the perfect chance for you to make your move on Shinazugawa."

You can't help but scoff at the suggestion. "Yeah, right. Like that's ever going to happen."

"Oh, you never know! Better be prepared just in case. Anyway, get ready because someone will come to pick you up in about an hour," she giggles over the phone.

Panic surges through your body as you realize the limited time you have to prepare. "Wait, Mitsuri! An hour? That's barely enough time-"

But before you can finish your sentence, Mitsuri hangs up, leaving you with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. You jump off your bed, adrenaline pumping through your veins as you scramble to get everything in order.

You put your headphones on, drowning out the world with music as you pack your bag. Lost in your own world, dancing and singing along, you don't hear the knock on your front door. In fact, you don't notice anything until your bedroom door creaks open, and a familiar voice startles you.

"I'm guessing you're not ready yet," Sanemi says in his usual gruff tone, leaning against the door frame, looking amused when he sees the startled look on your face. 

You hastily take your headphones out and turn to face him, slightly flustered. "Shinazugawa! You can't just come into a girl's house without knocking! It's basic courtesy."

Sanemi shrugs casually, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I did knock. You just didn't hear it."

You cross your arms, refusing to let him off the hook. "That's not an excuse. You should wait for permission, regardless."

He raises an eyebrow, the smirk never leaving his face. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Mitsuri called you about the party, right? Are you going?"

You let out a chuckle, busying yourself with packing. "What does it look like? I'm getting ready to go right now."

Sanemi's gaze lingers on you, assessing your appearance. "You need to get ready? But you look fine."

Your face heats up, and you try to brush off his comment. "Well, I still have a few things to do. It's not like I woke up prepared for this. She pretty much just called me. But I'm actually surprised you're going too. I didn't really think parties were your thing."

Sanemi shrugs nonchalantly, his smirk turning into a half-smile. "Well, I won't be going. Not if you take so long. You don't want to keep people waiting, Y/N, especially me."

Rolling your eyes playfully, you retort, "Oh, please. Don't act like you're the most important person in the world. I'll be ready in no time."

With determination, you finish packing your things and sling your bag over your shoulder. Sanemi's gaze lingers on you, and he can't help but tease, "Just don't fall in love with me tonight, okay?"

You scoff, trying to hide the flutter in your heart. "Please, I've gone this long without falling for you. I'm pretty sure I can survive the next century."

He chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eyes. But without much more to say, you both walk outside together, the cool evening air brushing against your skin.

Before getting into the car, you remind Sanemi, "Seriously though, don't just walk into a girl's house like that. I could have been in the shower or something."

He shrugs, a nonchalant grin on his face. "So what? It's not like you have anything to hide."

"What?!" you nearly choke on your own saliva.

"We see each other every day," he shrugs. "I know pretty much everything you do. It's not like you've got some secret double life," he then clarifies.

The comment strikes a nerve, and anger flares within you. "Respect and privacy matter, Shinazugawa. It's basic courtesy. Even if we do know each other."

Unfazed, he leads you to his car, a sleek white vehicle parked nearby. It's stylish and elegant, with a touch of sophistication. The sight of it leaves you impressed.

"Nice car. I didn't know you had one," you remark, appreciating the clean design.

Sanemi smirks, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Eh, it's relatively new. Can't stand having to depend on others all the damn time to get places, you know?"

As you and Sanemi near Mitsuri's house, a mischievous glint sparks in his eyes. "You know, when I saw you earlier today, it looked like you were about to fall asleep while talking to the old man," he smirks.

Heat rises to your cheeks, embarrassment washing over you. "Were you watching me?" you ask, trying to hide your mortification.

Sanemi chuckles, a playful tone in his voice. "Nah, just happened to pass by. But I couldn't help but notice you were nearly ready to drown yourself in the lake."

You huff a mixture of irritation and amusement. "Thanks for the concern, but I was just tired. No need to make it sound so dramatic."

Sanemi flashes a teasing grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Well, you know I'm always here to save you from your perilous nap adventures."

You roll your eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. And then finally, you arrive outside Mitsuri's house. If there's one thing worse than having all Mitsuri's friends in one place, it's being alone with Sanemi and all that awkward tension and you can't wait to relieve yourself from the lesser of the two evils.