❛ 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐃 ❜ ━━━ (𝗸. 𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶𝗿𝗼)

011

You arrived at the train station, hiding your Nichirin sword deep into your haori as you searched for Kyojuro. You looked around, finding that unique bright yellow hair with red tips in the crowd. After a few more moments, a smile crept on your face as you sneakily crept up behind him.

You jumped onto Kyojuro's back, giggling as you covered his eyes, "Guess who!"

"Hm... Tengen?" Kyojuro asked, teasing you.

"Tsk... try again!" You huffed in annoyance.

Kyojuro laughed as he removed your hands and faced you, "Of course it's you, Young Y/N. I didn't realise you were behind me until you jumped onto me. You're improving on your stealth skills, huh?"

"Pshh... maybe your skills are rusting," You said with a teasing tone. "So, what're we doing now?"

"I was about to have dinner," He said, pointing to the soba shop in front of him. "Would you like to join?"

"Sure," You smiled at him.

You and Kyojuro entered the soba shop. It was rather quiet as only the sounds of cooking filled the shop. There was a drunk man passed out by the side while the owner of the store sat by the counter with a newspaper in his hand.

"Welcome," The owner said, not moving his eyes away from the newspaper. "What would you like?"

"Two sobas, please," Kyojuro said and sat by the table closest to the counter. You sat next to Kyojuro and watched as the owner began cooking up the meals.

"So, how have you been, Kyojuro?" You asked, placing your chin onto the heel of your palm.

"I've been well. Thank you for asking," He said with a smile. "I heard from Kocho about you and Young Kamado. Is it true that-"

"NOPE!" You exclaimed, quickly cutting him off with a smile. "Do not listen to a word Shinobu says. She's just teasing me."

"Ahh, I see," Kyojuro nodded his head. "Pardon me for asking this because I'm not so familiar with romantic feelings... but do you like him?"

You felt your face heat up at the direct question, "It's all right, Kyo. Yes, I do like him."

His smile grew bigger at your words, "That's good, then. That means you'll have someone to lean on for support when things get tough. I know you've always been the one people can depend on, especially with Muichiro's condition."

"Kyojuro..." You trailed off. "You still remember that?"

"Of course," He nodded his head. "When you and Muichiro first joined us, I saw all I needed to. Two incredibly, young, and terrified siblings. An older sister, who tried to be brave to protect her younger brother. Two siblings who finally lost everything without realising it in a night."

You smiled weakly at him, "Well, it's my duty to protect Muichiro. You understand that, right?"

"Of course," He replied. "Senjuro's been asking for you."

"Really?" You chuckled at his words. "I'll visit him with you once this mission is over, then."

Just then, the owner came over with two steaming hot soba bowls and placed them in front of you. "Enjoy."

Kyojuro dug in, smiling after he took his first bite of the meal, "Delicious!"

You dug in as well, humming in happiness at how savoury the soba was. "Damn... this might be the best soba I've ever had."

You and Kyojuro continued eating in silence, enjoying the comfortable silent atmosphere of the shop. However, you heard someone else enter the shop and you glanced at the entrance.