Secrets Among the Lotus Stems

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chapter four

The party continues with laughter and cheerfulness, but amidst the joyful chaos, you spot Genya sitting alone, lost in thought. Curiosity tugs at you, and you decide to join him, seeking a moment of quiet amid the festivities. However, the silence is short-lived as Genya breaks the silence with a direct question, catching you off guard.

"How long are you going to keep staring at my brother?" he asks.

"What're you talking about?" you scoff, feigning innocence and trying to brush off his observation. 

But Genya sees through your facade and leans in closer, offering blunt advice. "Look, if you like him, you better make a move. Sanemi can be dense when it comes to his heart so if you don't tell him how you feel, he'll be too stupid to do anything about it."

"I don't know..." you reply nervously, looking down at your feet instead of meeting his eyes. "He always says your heart makes you weak so I really don't think he's looking for-" you begin, but before you can finish, Genya stands up and pulls you by the arm, determination in his eyes.

In a swirl of panic, you try to break free from Genya's grip, desperate to escape the unfolding situation. But your efforts are in vain, and you find yourself standing before Sanemi just as you finally manage to break free. Time seems to freeze, and your heart pounds in your chest.

"Sanemi, we need to talk," Genya says boldly after approaching his brother.

Sanemi scoffs, his words laced with skepticism. "What, are you going to tell me you're in love with Y/N? She's a Hashira. I doubt she'd go for a runt like you."

Genya's fists clench, growing frustrated rather quickly. "No, Sanemi. This is about you."

A laugh escapes Sanemi's lips, his voice laced with disbelief. "Good, 'cause that'd be almost as funny as when you said you could kill me. Now, what is this about? Feelings, again Genya? I get it, I'm strong and handsome and amazing, but who in their right mind would actually admit they've got feelings for me?"

As the tension hangs in the air, Uzui's call steals Genya's attention. With a wave of money in hand, Uzui beckons Genya over, drawing him away from your conversation. Now left alone with Sanemi, your heart races as you gather your courage.

"Seriously, what the hell was he going on about, Y/N? This is why parties like this are such a waste of time," Sanemi shakes his head.

"He was actually trying to help me," you admit, "Although he did a really shitty job admittedly." Then, taking a deep breath, you muster the strength to tell him the truth. "Shinazugawa, I like you."

Sanemi's initial response is skepticism, dismissing your words as a joke. "C'mon, don't do this shit, Y/N. A pretty girl like you probably has her eyes set on being Uzui's fourth wife. That bastard doesn't even treat his wives correctly, you know. I wouldn't waste your time."

A bit embarrassed, you continue to admit to him, "I'm not joking around. I mean it."

Uncertainty flickers in Sanemi's eyes as he struggles to find the right words. "I don't know what to say..."

With your heart laid bare, you continue, expressing your genuine feelings, you feel so dizzy. You don't know how much of his obliviousness you can take. "I think you're so handsome, inside and out. I love your determination and constant perseverance. I'm telling you honestly, Shinazugawa, I like you."

Sanemi's defenses begin to crumble as he opens up. "Well, I, uh... I find you incredibly beautiful too."

As the conversation between you and Sanemi becomes a bit deeper, a sudden and unexpected interruption occurs. Ubuyashiki materializes out of nowhere, seemingly appearing out of thin air. The room falls into a momentary silence as everyone turns their attention to the unexpected arrival.

Mitsuri, with her ever-cheerful demeanor, steps forward with a mischievous grin. "Oh, I forgot to mention, I invited Master Ubuyashiki to join us tonight! Surprise!" she exclaims, clapping her hands together.

"And he actually showed up?" Sanemi adds under his breath. "Why the hell would he do that?"

You can feel all the blood rush from your face as Ubuyashiki looks in your direction. 

Ubuyashiki chuckles softly, calming the tension. "Apologies for the interruption everyone, but Mitsuri insisted I come and enjoy the festivities. It seems I've arrived at an interesting moment," he remarks, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

You look at Sanemi awkwardly, realizing his obliviousness to the nerve-wracking moment. Knowing that the timing couldn't have been worse, you excuse yourself and approach Ubuyashiki, who is already engaged in conversation with Rengoku.

As you join them, Rengoku immediately brings up the topic, his eyes filled with excitement. "Ubuyashiki-sama, you won't believe it! Y/N and Sanemi were finally having a meaningful conversation!"

Caught off guard, you glance at Rengoku, a mix of surprise and annoyance evident on your face. "Were you listening to us?!" you ask, trying to gauge how much Rengoku overheard.

Rengoku chuckles, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Of course, I'm always listening. A flame Hashira's duty, you know!"

"No, that's just fucking creepy, Kyojuro!" you retaliate

Ubuyashiki, observing the exchange, interjects with a serene smile. "Ah, love is like a lotus flower, blooming in the depths of the heart. Its beauty and fragility entwined in a delicate dance."

Rengoku's expression brightens, captivated by Ubuyashiki's words. "Master, that's a beautiful analogy! Love and lotus flowers indeed share a profound connection."

"Seriously, what is up with that?" you then grumble to yourself. 

As frustration creeps down your spine, you address Ubuyashiki, hoping to get him to leave before he causes any more awkward situations for you. "Master, I must warn you that Mitsuri and some of the others have been drinking. I didn't think you'd want to stick around to see all of that so I'm quite surprised you came tonight," you add with a fake grin.

Ubuyashiki's gentle smile remains unwavering as he pats your shoulder reassuringly. "Thank you for your concern, young one. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Perhaps it is best for me to take my leave now."

With a nod of gratitude, Ubuyashiki raises his voice, addressing the rest of the group. "I hope you're all having a pleasant evening. But duty calls, my young warriors. I will be on my way now."

As Ubuyashiki gracefully makes his way toward Mitsuri, hurriedly trying to leave without raising any questions from the others, Rengoku faces you again, curiosity burning in his eyes. "So, what about Sanemi? Are you two going to continue your conversation?"

"Oh, fuck off," You groan softly, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. "I'm going inside."

{LOTUS} Sanemi Shinazugawa x Fem!ReaderWhere stories live. Discover now