The eye of the storm (Sanemi x Reader)

42| Stormy

A/N: Long chapter, so take your time reading it. As you know, I'm not going through the best time right now, so I'm sorry if the quality of this chapter isn't as expected, but it's been hard for me to get back into the routine. Thank you all so much for your supportive comments; I really appreciate it <3

As I drifted back into consciousness, I felt the softness of the futon beneath me and the light weight of blankets barely covering my torso. My eyelids were heavy, still clinging to the remnants of sleep, and for a fleeting moment, I considered sinking back into that comforting warmth. I reached out toward where my bedside table should have been, fingers searching for my alarm clock to check the time, but all I found was empty space. Confused, I groped the air once more. With some effort, I slowly opened my eyes.

I blinked several times, my vision blurred, the haze of sleep still clouding my mind. I expected to see the familiar surroundings of my bedroom, but what greeted me was entirely different. The worn wooden ceiling above wasn't the same as at home. Turning my head, I noticed my haori neatly folded beside me, my hairpin resting atop it. That's when it all came flooding back.

"Oh... right." Last night, I'd stayed over at the Wind Hashira's residence.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, a flush spreading all the way to my ears. Oh no... I'd actually spent the night at Sanemi's house? And I was wearing his clothes! Never in my life had I stayed at a man's place overnight. If anyone found out-especially since we weren't even engaged-it would be scandalous. What was I thinking? I'd really lost my head last night, let myself get carried away. Although... it's not like anything happened, right? It was Sanemi, after all.

My heart pounded as I glanced at the closed door, knowing that somewhere beyond it, he was sleeping-or perhaps already awake. The first rays of dawn filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow across the room.

I rolled over on the futon, my thoughts still tangled in the events of the previous night, including the heartfelt kiss he gave me. The house was enveloped in silence, only the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards breaking the stillness. No one else was up, not even Ohagi. Suddenly, an idea sparked in my mind.

Seizing the quiet moment, I decided to change back into my clothes. As comfortable as his shirt and pants were-and they were surprisingly cozy-I slipped back into my uniform and haori, both freshly laundered since I'd barely worn them yesterday.

Feeling more like myself, I made my way to the kitchen. The air was crisp, and everything was still enveloped in morning quiet. It didn't take long for me to start preparing breakfast, just like I used to when I lived with Grandpa and my two broth... and Zenitsu. Immersing myself in the familiar task, I found that Sanemi had all the basic ingredients for pancakes-a recipe my mother had lovingly taught me when I was little. Over the years, I'd refined it to perfection.

As I was finishing up, Ohagi padded into the kitchen, his little paws tapping softly against the floor. His sleepy eyes and adorable face made me smile. I filled his bowl, and he settled beside me, contentedly munching away.

A few minutes later, I sensed someone at the doorway. Turning, I saw Sanemi leaning against the frame, looking half-awake. His silver hair was a wild mess, and his eyes were heavy-lidded. He rubbed at one eye with his fist, still caught in the fog of sleep. I was just arranging the pancakes on plates when our gazes met.

He stared at me with a mixture of bewilderment and surprise, as if he'd forgotten I was here. For a moment, he looked as though he'd seen a ghost. After a few seconds filled with yawns and blinks, comprehension seemed to dawn on him.

"What're you doing?" he asked, his brow furrowing as he eyed the stack of pancakes.

"Making breakfast," I replied casually, offering a slight shrug.