The Crystal's Whisper and The Wind's Embrace

Chapter 19: Bonds of the Crystal Moon

As dawn broke, Tsukiyo returned to find Sanemi slumbering peacefully outside her mansion.

"What is he doing here?" Puzzled by his unexpected presence, Tsukiyo hesitated, unsure of how to proceed, especially after the incident that happened the previous day.

Eventually, concern for any urgent matters that might have brought him there overcame her uncertainty, prompting her to gently rouse him from his slumber.

Approaching him with caution, Tsukiyo couldn't help but notice the softened expression on Sanemi's face as he slept, a rare glimpse of vulnerability beneath his stern facade.

Spotting a stray leaf nestled in his hair, she reached out instinctively to pluck it away, a soft giggle escaping her lips at the sight.

Startled awake by her laughter, Sanemi's eyes snapped open, his reflexes swift as he seized her hand. "Who's that!"

"I was just-just trying to remove that leaf on your head."Sanemi's initial alarm gave way to recognition as he realised it was Tsukiyo, his features softening once more.

However, his relief was short-lived, replaced by worry and frustration upon realising she had been absent all night.

In the heat of the moment, Sanemi's voice rose in concern, his gruff tone betraying his underlying fear for her safety. "Where have you been all night?" he demanded, his words laced with worry. "Don't you know it is dangerous to be lurking around in the night?" Sanemi added, raising his voice.

Caught off guard by Sanemi's sudden outburst, Tsukiyo hesitated before responding. "I-I was at Shinobu's, having a sleepover with Mitsuri," she explained, her own voice reflecting her surprise. "Why are you suddenly yelling at me outside my mansion? And what brings you here? Also, could you please let go of my wrist? It's hurting."

Sanemi noticed that he was still gripping Tsukiyo's wrist from earlier, realising he had tightened his hold due to his worry. With a gentle release, he let go, his fingers lingering for a moment before retreating. Then, as if remembering his purpose, he cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Um, I'm actually here to..." Sanemi trailed off, scratching his head in uncertainty.

"Here, take it. This is for you," Without further explanation, he handed Tsukiyo a small package, his expression a mix of apology and apprehension. Tsukiyo tilted her head, curiosity evident in her gaze.

"What's this for? Why the sudden gift?" she asked, puzzled by Sanemi's uncharacteristic gesture.

Sanemi shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering with remorse as he struggled to find the right words. "I'm sorry about yesterday, Amano," he began slowly, extending the gift towards her. "I shouldn't have said those things. I... I didn't know about your past."

Tsukiyo's eyes softened with understanding as she recalled the conversation she had with Shinobu and Mitsuri the previous night. She could see the vulnerability in Sanemi's eyes, the weight of his own past bearing down on him.

"It's okay, Sanemi," she replied gently, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. "We all have our scars. I accept your apology." As Tsukiyo accepted the small gift from Sanemi, a sense of warmth washed over her. "And thank you, for the gift."

Sanemi nodded, opening up slightly about his own painful history with demons. "My family and friends fell victim to demons. That's why I hate them so much."

Tsukiyo listened intently to Sanemi's words, her heart aching for the pain he had endured.

After a moment of quiet understanding, she reached out to gently place a hand on his arm.

"I'm sorry, Sanemi," she said softly. "I can't begin to imagine the pain you've been through. But please know that you're not alone in this. We're all here for you, and I'm here for you too."

Sanemi softened at Tsukiyo's words, feeling her sincerity. "Well, enough with the mushy words," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "Why don't you open up the present?"

Tsukiyo eagerly unwrapped the package, her eyes twinkling with excitement when she saw the necklace with a crystal shaped like a crescent moon.

"I thought this would suit you," remarked Sanemi. "And you seemed to really like your crystal earrings," he added.

"Thank you so much, Shinazugawa! I really love this a lot!" Tsukiyo exclaimed happily, jumping up to give Sanemi a big hug.

Sanemi tensed up from the sudden hug, feeling awkward. He lightly pushed Tsukiyo away and turned his face to the side, slightly blushing.

"My crystal earrings were given to me by Hikari-neesan, as a good luck charm for being a demon slayer! That's why they were important to me, and I have always worn them," explained Tsukiyo.

"You can treat this necklace as a protective charm then. Any demons you meet will be doomed at the sight of it, since it was given by me. I'll make sure the demons vanish before you," Sanemi commented.

Tsukiyo grinned widely, feeling extremely happy and touched to have received such a gift from Sanemi. "I will wear it forever, just like how I always wear my crystal earrings."

Sanemi smiled, glad that Tsukiyo liked the gift he had picked. "Here, let me help you," he offered, noticing her struggling to put the necklace on.

As Sanemi delicately fastened the necklace around Tsukiyo's neck, the warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine. His fingertips, though slightly calloused, traced a gentle path against her skin, causing her heart to flutter with an unexpected intensity. Tsukiyo's cheeks flushed with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite put into words.

"It suits you perfectly," Sanemi praised, a smile playing on his lips unknowingly as he admired the necklace on her, happy with his choice of gift.

Tsukiyo mentally brushed aside the fluttering sensations in her chest and the warmth that tinged her cheeks, focusing instead on the gratitude she felt for his thoughtful gesture.