When The Mist Loves || T. Muichiro

Two

A very pretty woman.

“There was a white-haired, really pretty woman who recently visited us, Mako-chan. She said we’re descendants of a really powerful swordsman, how cool is that?”

A whole afternoon that should’ve been for me and Muichiro became a novel-worthy long story about this “beautiful woman” that visited them. Mui never stopped talking about her since the minute I arrived at our spot, and hearing him talking enthusiastically about another girl… bothered me.

Is this what they call jealousy?

However, it’s been so long that I’ve seen Mui’s eyes sparkle that way since their parents’ passing, and I won’t dare spoil his excitement with what Amane Ubuyashiki, the woman who recently met with the twins, had revealed.

Mui and Yuichiro-san are distant relatives of one of the strongest swordsmen from Demon Slayer Corps, which apparently was a thing.

“That’s so cool, Mui! It explains your strength,” I reply with a smile.

“Amane-san asked us if we wanted to join them to become demon slayers, but nii-san just pushed her away. Honestly, I want to become one of them, Mako-chan. To defend and help people. That’s what my father would’ve wanted, I just know it.” Muichiro said with determination in his eyes.

“Why not persuade him, Mui? Whatever your decision will be, I will be your number one supporter!” I encouraged him.

“Thanks, Mako! I’ll work really hard to become a great swordsman. If that happens, you’ll be my top priority to protect. That’s a promise,” he held out his pinky and I interlocked it with mine. I met his eyes and we both blushed. I turned my head away quickly and I tried to look for words to say.

Then I thought, if Mui was to train, would that mean he’s gonna go away and live in another place?

“Mui, will you be going away if you become a demon slayer?” I asked, visibly upset.

“Hmm… I haven’t thought about that but maybe we will. Amane-san might take us with her to where the demon slayer corps reside.” He looked up as he answered my question but quickly lowered his head when he heard cries.

Tears were flowing from my eyes and I started to cry loud.

“You’re leaving me, Mui? What about our friendship?” I muffled my sobs.

The boy looked worried and panicked, not knowing what to say. He held my shoulders as he tried to soothe me with promises.

“I still have to persuade Yui, Mako. I won’t leave you anytime soon and besides I’ll visit often if we go! You’ll be my number one person to protect, remember? We will still be friends… or penpals, hmm? Don’t cry please,” he positively noted.

He was waiting for my response and I couldn’t help but nod. He did promise me that he'd defend me if he trained hard, and I swore to become his supporter. I couldn’t and wouldn’t go back on my word, as well as he.

“Okay, Mui… do your best!” I managed to give him a toothy grin and a thumbs up.

“You’re the best, Mako!”

He hugged me and I returned it. Hugs really bond me and Mui together, it’s like a symbol of friendship between us. I’ll miss this if he goes away.

“Now we just have to think how to recruit Yui-nii to go with Amane-san!”

“Well… what kind of bribery or force should we do?” I joked and laughed.

—————

We spent another hour of the afternoon going over ideas on what to tell Yuichiro and what gifts Mui should give Amane-san when she comes back. The slight envy I felt for the woman earlier disappeared when I found out that she’s married.

I felt embarrassed to even feel such a thing about someone like her. I learned from Mui that she’s a kind and patient woman. I admired how she handled Yuichiro-san's actions, I didn’t even dare meet him. He scares me, and I couldn’t apprehended how someone our age becomes so hostile. But after all, he did lose his parents. Maybe his way of coping was to push people away, and I couldn’t judge him.

Our peaceful ordeal came to an end when I noticed the sun soon setting.

“I sometimes think we don’t appreciate the sun enough,” I said while looking at the far-away setting sun. Mui looked confused.

“I mean, people always complain about the sun. Either it’s hot, or it burns the eyes, or it darkens the skin, bla bla bla. That’s what they always say about the sun, but during times like this, its beauty shines, no matter how dark the surroundings slowly become. It creates majestic colors for the sky as it leaves and provides light for the moon even if it’s not visible.” I blabbered.

“People always say that the moon is beautiful, so I wonder when they would start seeing the sun’s beauty too. It deserves its own spotlight, don’t you think, Mui?” I asked innocently.

I faced him and I saw his mouth slightly agape as he looked my way. Then he smiled.

“You really find goodness in everything, Mako.” He commented.

“And why wouldn’t I? The sun is beautiful, isn’t it, Mui?”

“Yes, it’s beautiful. Just like you.” Mui replied.

The last part came as a whisper and I couldn’t hear it, me being oblivious to the compliment thrown for me. As much as I wanted to stay and simmer in the moment further, I can hear my mother’s nagging voice if I come home later than my curfew. She’ll go on and on about the dangers lurking outside and how I could get kidnapped and have my innards sold.

Sigh. I can’t take another scolding seriously. I mentally face-palmed.

“I better get going, Mui. I’ll see you tomorrow, bye-bye!” I waved at him as I ran, a futile attempt to beat my curfew.

“Take care, Mako! Thank you for today!” He shouted and waved back.

I turned my back away from him and I followed my way home. The thought of seeing him again tomorrow, and another tomorrow, and hopefully forever made me smile. I finally have something I can look forward to everyday. There’s someone I ought to see everyday.

He makes me look forward to waking up every day.