A Winter's Treasure {Tengen Uzui}

He wouldn't, would he??

After finding a hobby for myself in painting at Mr. Tengen's Studio, now I have something else to do aside from keeping their house clean.
It was quite therapeutic to say the least. And the girls were also stunned at my art skills and asked me to make portraits of them too. I was glad to do so and it was nice to bond with them.
If I'm being honest, I don't even recognize myself. When I was brought here, I was a completely different person. I was so scared and anxious all the time and was basically a doormat.

But now, I don't feel like that anymore. I feel like i never imagined i'd feel in my life. I feel happier. I feel fulfilled and confident around Mr. Tengen and the girls. I feel like they actually enjoy my presence here. And little by little I stopped thinking about myself as a burden to them and…. More like…. Family.
That thought brought something warm to my chest. As if my prayers have finally been answered and the gods sent me to people who really appreciate me for who I am. And though I still wasn't ready to talk much about my life before coming here, I still manage to open myself a bit with the girls and sometimes with Mr. Tengen.

He is such a good listener and I love our question exchange games. It's so nice to know more about him. His confidence is truly outstanding. He also hasn't asked too many personal questions to me, as he wants me to open myself up naturally.
How can someone be so caring and understanding to someone he barely knew??
Now, about his wifes, I do have a good relationship with them. Hinatsuru sure is the most open to me by now. Suma is too, but I can't shake the feeling that I might have upset her when she found me and Mr. Tengen alone in his studio. Even though we were clearly just talking, I can't help but feel that I might have made her uncomfortable. Which is the last thing I wanted after she has been so nice to me ever since Mr. Tengen brought me here.

And at last, Makio. It is no mystery to me that she didn't like me. And I can't blame her. The more time I spent here I always felt as if I was being watched. And, everytime I looked around I could see her watching me from a corner or just passing by.
At the table during meals was the same thing. While I was eating If my eyes met Makio’s they were always locked on me. I can't even describe how uncomfortable that is, but can't bring myself to report that to Mr. Tengen, since I know that wouldn't make Makio like me more in the slightest.
Instead, I try to keep my head down in respect and just pretend I didn't notice. I wonder what I'll have to do to make Makio trust my presence here.

In fact, I do. But I'm still not ready for that.

The day was very sunny as the winter was slowly being replaced by Spring. I was mopping the hallway floors while humming very calmly. The girls had left to train at the training hall while Mr. Tengen left for the Demon Slayer headquarters for a meeting with his master.
I was almost done when I heard the girls’ voices coming in. I placed the Mop against the wall so I could go and offer them a drink after training. However, I couldn't help but overhear what they were saying when they came in.

“So, what did Lord Tengen say about what we discussed??” Suma asked.

“He said yes. It’ll happen tonight.” Hinatsuru confirmed whatever they were talking about.

“Really?? That’s wonderful!!” Suma realized excitedly. I was so confused, so I kept hidden to hear them.

“About time, actually. She had it coming if you ask me.” Makio said as they sat down at the dining table to talk. Who are they talking about?? Could It be me??

“And when are they coming exactly?? We have to know so we can prepare everything.” Suma asked again.

“About 7pm. So we’ll have plenty of time. But make sure Nagisa won’t find out about it. Lord Tengen said it’s crucial that she’s completely unaware, so it’ll be easy for everyone.” Hinatsuru explained and my eyes widened as my breathing deregulated.