Infinity With You | T. Muichiro

21

Chapter 21
PANSIES

There was a bigger problem than Hashira training methods you are brainstorming about.

This situation for example,

"You're so cuteeee!"

The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow across the garden. You were at the Stone Hashira's Estate, playing with all the adorable kitties as usual. You crouched down, eyes twinkling with amusement as you dangled a small feather toy in front of a playful cat. The cat, a sleek black feline with bright green eyes, pounced and swatted at the toy with enthusiastic abandon.

You laughed, as you moved the feather in quick, unpredictable motions. The cat chased after it, leaping and twisting in the air. Occasionally, the cat would pause, staring intently at the toy, its tail flicking in anticipation, before springing forward again.

Taking a brief pause, you reached out to gently stroke the cat's soft fur. The cat purred contentedly, leaning into your touch. All this time, you have been trying to ignore Muichiro, who was leaning casually against the door side. His arms were crossed over his chest, and a rare smile softened his usually stoic expression.

You were happy that he got his memories back, delighted even. However, ever since he got his memories back, some of his actions got your heart to jump around and threaten to give you heart attacks. Your hands feel chummy, you did not know how to react. He used to be so stoic and nonchalant that you got used to that side of him.

'Usually, he would even sometimes forget that I am even here beside him..' although he wasn't particularly rude to you, he wasn't the nicest either. But you did appreciate him for trying his best.

Muichiro watched you with a quiet amusement,

"What're you thinking?" he asks, his smile growing. "You seem to be having a lot of fun too."

Your heart was beating so fast you could hear it ringing in your ears. Muichiro was looking more unusually handsome than usual, his serene smile and gentle demeanor casting him in a whole other light. Your hands felt clammy, and you couldn't imagine how red your face must be.

As Muichiro knelt beside you, his attention on the cat, you struggled to steady your breath. The warmth of his presence was almost overwhelming, sending flutters through your chest. You tried to focus on the cat, but your gaze kept drifting back to Muichiro, your thoughts a whirlwind of emotions.

"Wahhhhh!! I can't do this anymore!"

Flustered beyond belief, you stand up and sprinted away to who knows where. Both Muichiro and the cat were startled at your outburst and the feline immediately ran away.

"Wait—"

Muichiro calls out from behind you but you were already long gone.

"Ah I was hoping to spend more time with you.." Muichiro looked down with a slightly disappointed expression, there was a flush on his cheeks that even he wasn't aware of.

________________

You were hiding under the cover of your blanket in your room, face red and palms sweaty. You clutched the edges of the blanket tightly, your mind racing.

"What's wrong with me... am I sick?" You muttered to yourself, sighing deeply.

But then, the image of Muichiro leaning on the door side reappeared in your mind, his serene smile and gentle demeanor made your heart backflip. You couldn't contain the surge of emotions any longer. You repeatedly punched the pillow, trying to stifle a squeal, but the intensity of your feelings were overwhelming. Finally, you stopped, groaning in embarrassment and hiding your red face in the pillow.

"Gah! What am I doing...? Have I finally gone crazy?" You mumbled into the pillow, voice muffled but filled with exasperation. The memory of Muichiro's handsome face lingered in your mind, making your heart race all over again.

You let out an exasperated sob,

"He's not good for my heart at all..."

You didn't know how long you had stayed there, but when you finally got out of bed, it was already nighttime. Rubbing your eyes tiredly, you muttered, "Did I fall asleep?"

Neatly making the bed, you smoothed out the covers. Just then, a paper plane flew through the window and landed on the floor, catching your attention. Curious, you picked it up and unfolded it, revealing the words written there.

"Let's watch the stars together tonight."

The sender had only signed it as 'you-know-who,' but you immediately guessed it was Muichiro.

Your heart fluttered at the thought, and a soft smile spread across your face subconsciously. Clutching the note close to your chest, you try to compose yourself.

"Look what you're doing to me... you're not being fair at all.."

_________________

When you reached the rooftop, Muichiro was already there, his soft smile welcoming you. "Come here." He patted the place next to him, and you sat down beside him, a comfortable silence settling between the two of you as both looked up at the night sky.

You recalled the last time the two of you had done this, spending the entire night counting the stars until both of you fell asleep on the roof. 'We got scolded by Shinobu nee-san in the mroning..' A soft smile appeared on your face at the memory.

Unbeknownst to you, Muichiro was staring at you instead of the stars, a gentle smile playing on his lips. Ever since he realized his feelings, he had been waiting to spend time with you, though you seemed a bit standoffish around him. He didn't blame you; he was willing to wait for you to come around.

Tonight, however, exhaustion overcame him, and with a soft plop, he decided to lay down on your lap. You tensed, a reaction he had expected, though it still stung a bit. Perhaps that's what you felt when he had no memories before. However, Muichiro is determined to make up for it. Determined not to let you pull away, he hugged your stomach gently, burying his face against it.

You froze, your heart pounding in your chest.  'W–w–w–w–w–...!! What kind of situation is this!? I mean— this happened before but—! How do I react!?'

You hesitantly put your hands on his head, gently caressing his hair, slowly you both relaxed.

'You have no idea...what you are doing to me..'

Both of you simultaneously thought to yourselves. Muichiro buried his red face, pretending to be asleep, while you looked up to stare at the sky, hoping that the night wind will cool your flushed face.

==============

Taisho Rumors

Both of them fell asleep there and got scolded by Shinobu again.

==============

Author Notes

Muichiro is so handsome bro, he's such a cutie 🩷