The Awkwardness of AfterThoughts || Kamado Tanjiro x Reader

The Boy Ponders

The next morning was almost a repeat of the last. (Y/N) woke up, grimaced at her injuries and average features, dressed up, and opened the sliding door to be greeted by a crowd of slayers and staff. She noticed the boar head and blonde boy bickering once again as they rushed out of the building. (Y/N) immediately thought of Tanjiro and like a cliche, she spotted him a few doors down. 'Should I wave?' The girl thought, unsure of this friendship stuff. Is this a friendship?

But the boy made that decision for her as his face brightened at the sight of her.

"(Y/N)!" Tanjiro exclaimed as he pushed himself through the crowd and pulled her into a loose hug. "Morning, any plans for today?"

Shocked by the hug, she didn't exactly hug back and instead, awkwardly rested her head on his shoulder before they lost connection. (Y/N) wouldn't be lying if she wished the hug lasted a few more moments.

"Training with the Love Pillar as usual. You?" They walked through the crowd and continued to the training areas.

"I decided to give Giyuu a break and train with you. Do you mind?" Tanjiro said with a nod as they reached the Love Pillar's training building. (Y/N) was flattered by this offer and agreed.

Once they entered the building, Mitsuri's eyes were immediately on them. The hashira bit her lip to conceal a squeal, raising eyebrows at (Y/N) suggestively. The slayer tried her best to ignore the love-themed woman but her cheeks became hot annoyingly. Tanjiro, of course, was oblivious as they sat down on the padded flooring.

The training today was straightforward. Some stretching, deep breathing concentration (Tanjiro was eyeing (Y/N) the entire time to make sure she was doing it correctly), and meditation.

The day was almost over when she suddenly said, "Now, choose a partner and begin sparring for 5 minutes! Go as fast as you can while still maintaining concentrated breathing." (Y/N) wondering if Mitsuri made up this workout last minute just to see a moment between the two slayers. Anyhow, (Y/N) stripped off her haori and laid it on the floor. Only to be shocked by Tanjiro taking off his gakuran jacket.

Her eyes met with the surprisingly chiseled figure of the boy, his chest and arms mostly scarred from battles before. Sweat glistened off his back, making it seem like he was glowing. Whatever Mitsuri planned on, it worked. (Y/N) was a flustered mess as she tried her best to maintain deep breathing, which almost failed when she choked on her breath at just the sight of the slayer.

Cursing herself even more than before, she lowered her gaze and gulped. 'Stop being so perverted. You've seen shirtless men before...' (Y/N) stole a glance at the smiling boy who was getting into a stance. 'Why is he so diff- oh, those arms- stop it!'

(Y/N) could practically hear Mitsuri's words, "You like him!"

Tanjiro stared at the girl's red and sweaty face, unsure if she was alright or not. "(Y/N), you don't look so good. Do you need to lie down?" He stepped towards her, hands resting on her shoulders to steady the slayer.

At the touch, (Y/N) felt like she needed to lie down but kept her composure. "No, thanks, Tanjiro. Just felt a little lightheaded." Tanjiro immediately took action as he positioned her to rest against his shoulder, throwing her arm to wrap around his neck. She regretted the lie she told, trying to fight against his iron grip.

"T-Tanjiro! I am fine, I promise!" But despite her protests, Tanjiro carried her over to the grassy area that was next to the building, setting her down so she was on her knees. (Y/N) swore that she could hear Mitsuri snicker.

"I will be back with water and your things, okay?" He replied as he set off, walking back to the building before she could say anything else.

With a sigh, (Y/N) rolled her eyes at the predicament she got herself into. Picking at the grass, she rested her head on her palm as she basked in the sun. Letting her pervasive thoughts take over her mind as she replayed Tanjiro's figure over and over again. Despite being a teenager, (Y/N) couldn't imagine the time she ever thought of someone like this. Even romantically. I guess she never had the time for such thoughts.