The Crystal's Whisper and The Wind's Embrace

Chapter 40: The Confession

As the days turned into weeks, Tsukiyo devoted herself to supporting Rengoku's recovery whenever she wasn't on a mission. Their bond deepened through their shared experiences, but in the quiet moments of reflection, her thoughts frequently wandered to another Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps—Sanemi Shinazugawa.

The intense battle with Akaza and Rengoku's near-death experience had given Tsukiyo a new perspective on life and the fleeting nature of their existence. The fear and uncertainty she had faced made her realised how important it was to cherish the moments she had with the people she cared about. Her feelings for Sanemi became clearer, growing stronger with each passing day.

One evening, Tsukiyo and Rengoku sat together at the Butterfly Estate, talking about their future battles and the people they needed to protect. Rengoku, still recuperating, had regained much of his strength.

Rengoku looked at Tsukiyo with a knowing smile. "You've been distracted lately. Is there something on your mind?"

Tsukiyo hesitated, then decided to confide in Rengoku, whom she regarded as her big brother. "Rengoku-san, this battle with Akaza made me realize how precious our time is and how unpredictable our lives can be. I've been thinking a lot about...about..."

Rengoku's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Sanemi, huh?"

Tsukiyo's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?"

Rengoku laughed, patting Tsukiyo's head affectionately. "I can tell from how you react around him when he comes to visit. It's obvious to anyone who knows you well. Sanemi's a tough one, but he has a good heart. Have you told him how you feel?"

Tsukiyo shook her head, her voice tinged with apprehension. "No, I haven't. I've been afraid... To be honest, I am afraid of rejection, and afraid of losing focus on our mission."

Rengoku's expression turned serious, his eyes filled with understanding. "Tsukiyo, life as a Demon Slayer is unpredictable. We face death every day. If you have feelings for Sanemi, you should tell him. Don't wait for the perfect moment, because it may never come."

Tsukiyo nodded slowly, the weight of Rengoku's words sinking in. "You're right. I need to be honest with him, and with myself. Thank you, Rengoku-san."

As Tsukiyo reflected on their conversation later that night, she realised how much she valued Sanemi's presence in her life. His rough exterior and fierce dedication masked a heart that truly cared, especially for those he held dear. She recalled moments when his concern for her had shone through his gruff personality, making her heart ache with unspoken affection. It took a long time for Tsukiyo to fall asleep that night, her mind filled with thoughts of Sanemi.

The next day, Tsukiyo woke with a newfound resolve. She had made up her mind to tell Sanemi how she felt, regardless of the outcome. The conversation with Rengoku had given her the courage she needed.

With a heart full of hope and determination, Tsukiyo found herself nervously seeking out Sanemi.

She spotted him training in the courtyard, his movements sharp and precise as always. Taking a deep breath, she approached him, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Sanemi," she called out, trying to keep her voice steady.

He paused, turning to face her with a curious expression. "Tsukiyo?" His sweat dripped from his intense training.

She gathered her courage, stepping closer. "I need to talk to you. It's important."

Sanemi raised an eyebrow but nodded, gesturing for her to continue.

Taking another deep breath, Tsukiyo spoke from her heart. "Sanemi, you know, the battle with the Upper Moon made me realised how unpredictable life can be. I've given it a lot of thought, and I don't want to have any regrets."

Tsukiyo paused, trying to calm the pounding in her heart and ignore the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She locked eyes with Sanemi, her gaze filled with unwavering sincerity. "I... I have feelings for you. I've had them for a while now, and I was too scared to say anything. But now, I've decided that I need to tell you. I like you, Sanemi. I want to be there for you, through thick and thin."

Sanemi's eyes widened in surprise, a fleeting moment of vulnerability crossing his features before he fell into a heavy silence. Tsukiyo's heart raced, her anticipation almost palpable as she awaited his response. The weight of her confession hung in the air, suspended between hope and despair.

Briefly, Sanemi's gaze softened, a glimpse of something tender amidst the turmoil, but it was swiftly replaced by a hardened resolve as he averted his eyes, his jaw clenched with tension.

"I'm sorry, Tsukiyo," he said quietly. "I can't. I can't return those feelings."

The words struck her like a physical blow, her heart shattering into a million pieces. She fought to keep her composure, refusing to let her tears fall.

"Is it because of Kanae?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Sanemi's silence was answer enough. He nodded, his eyes filled with a sadness that mirrored her own.

"Kanae... She was special to me... I don't know if I can move on from the past," he admitted, his voice raw with pain. "Whoever I get close to... they always end up dead or away from me. Like you said, our future as demon slayers is uncertain. Any one of us could die at any moment. I... I just don't want history to repeat itself."

Tsukiyo listened, her heart aching not just for herself, but for him as well. However, she wanted to try fighting for her love, or their love, once more.

"I understand your concerns. And I know the dangers we face as demon slayers are grave," Tsukiyo began, her voice trembling with emotion. "But what if... what if we let fear dictate every aspect of our lives? What if we deny ourselves the chance to love, to experience joy, all because we're afraid of the pain it might bring?"

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she continued, her words filled with a raw vulnerability. "I don't want to live with regrets, Sanemi. I don't want to look back on my life and wonder what could have been. Even if our time together is fleeting, even if it's just a brief moment of happiness... isn't that worth it? Isn't that worth risking everything for?"

Unable to hold back any further, tears trickled down Tsukiyo's cheeks, her heart laid bare before him. "I'd rather love fiercely and fearlessly, even if it means facing heartbreak in the end. Because at least then, I'll know that I truly lived, that I embraced every ounce of love that came my way. And if that's not enough... then what is?"

Sanemi's eyes flickered with a hint of doubt, but he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Tsukiyo. I can't take that risk. I won't."

Crestfallen and heartbroken, Tsukiyo nodded. She knew there was nothing more she could say. She forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"I understand, Sanemi. Then I'll respect your decision," she said, her voice steady despite the pain.

Sanemi's heart clenched painfully as he witnessed the hurt reflected in Tsukiyo's eyes. The ache within him intensified as he grappled with the inexplicable pain of rejecting her, compounded by the weight of her response and the sight of her retreating figure.

Despite the turmoil raging within him, he remained resolute in his decision, knowing deep down that it was a necessary but agonising choice to make.

As Tsukiyo turned and walked away, tears streamed down her cheeks unabated, each one a testament to the love she had lost.