The Glass and Flower .

CHAPTER ONE .

The bright, overwhelming lighting of the hallways made Kanao feel disoriented as she hurried through the school corridors.

Though familiar with the layout, nerves had her moving as if it were her first time there. She had accidentally left her art folder in the music room earlier, where Nezuko now was.

The folder contained multiple paintings and sketches of Nezuko from different angles and fantasies that Kanao had poured onto paper.

Clutching her chest anxiously, Kanao felt heavy footsteps as she approached the music room door.

The warmth inside made her sweat as her eyes darted around and landed on Nezuko. In her hands was the open folder, and she was staring at a recent sketch Kanao had made of her.

Nezuko was depicted in profile, her face still visible in a turning motion. Kanao inhaled sharply at the sight of Nezuko transfixed by the pencil markings.

Embarrassed because of this humiliating incident, Kanao is tempted to turn around, run away from school, and never look back.

However, she forces herself to take one step forward, then another and another, until she is standing beside Nezuko.

"Nezuko..." she mumbles, averting her gaze in embarrassment.

Startled out of her daydreaming, Nezuko jerks at the sound of her name. "Yes?" she responds too loudly, quickly stashing the drawing back into its folder.

Turning to face Kanao, Nezuko had to tilt her head up slightly to meet her gaze, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

"I left my art folder here, um, may I have it back?" she asked softly. 

Nezuko stared for a moment before coming back to her senses. "Yes! Of course, sorry," she said quickly, handing the folder to Kanao as she stood. Nezuko gave her a sheepish smile. 

Kanao smiled gently in return, hugging the folder to her chest.

The two girls locked eyes, silence falling between them.

Slowly, they began to lean towards one another, but Kanao suddenly snapped back.

"I–I have to go! I'll see you tomorrow!" she exclaimed, her face bright red as she rushed out of the room and turned down the hallway. 

Nezuko watched her leave, still blushing and dumbfounded.

Did that really just happen? Did Kanao draw her? Why?

She had so many questions but decided not to chase after her. It was best to just wait until tomorrow.