𝔹𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕓𝕪 𝔽𝕒𝕥𝕖 // 𝔾𝕀𝕐𝕌𝕌 𝕏 𝕊ℍ𝕀ℕ𝕆𝔹𝕌 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕗𝕚𝕔

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 6

The estate had settled into a tranquil rhythm as Kanae's health returned. The crisp air of winter breathed life into the surrounding landscape, transforming the gardens into a frosted wonderland. Inside the grand house, the warmth of the fireplace and the cheerful decor for the upcoming holidays brought a sense of normalcy.

Shinobu had just finished her morning routine at the orphanage and was on her way back to the estate. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions—concern for Kanae, the weight of her secret feelings for Giyu, and the solace she found in her work with the children. As she approached the house, she noticed Giyu in the garden, trimming the rose bushes that had withstood the first frost of winter.

"Giyu," she called out, her voice carrying over the crisp air. He looked up, a small smile playing on his lips as he saw her.

"Shinobu," he replied, setting down the shears. "How was your morning?"

"It was good," she said, joining him by the roses. "The children were in high spirits. Clara is getting better at her reading."

"That's wonderful to hear," Giyu said, genuine warmth in his voice. "You have a way with them."

Shinobu smiled, but it quickly faded as she remembered the reality of their situation. "How is Kanae today?"

"She's much better," Giyu replied. "She's resting now. I think she's almost back to her old self."

"That's a relief," Shinobu said softly, her heart aching with conflicting emotions.

There was a moment of silence, the air heavy with the unsaid. Giyu broke the tension, his voice barely above a whisper. "Shinobu, I've been thinking..."

"Giyu, please," she interrupted, her voice trembling. "We can't keep having this conversation."

"But it's tearing me apart," he said, his eyes searching hers for understanding. "I can't pretend I don't feel this way about you."

Shinobu closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "We made a promise, Giyu. To Kanae, to our family. We have to honor that."

He reached out, gently taking her hand. "I know. But it doesn't make it any easier."

Shinobu pulled her hand away, stepping back. "We have to be strong. For Kanae's sake."

Before Giyu could respond, the sound of a door opening interrupted them. Kanae appeared on the porch, wrapped in a shawl, her face lighting up as she saw them.

"There you are," Kanae called out, her voice full of warmth. "What are you two doing out here?"

Shinobu forced a smile, turning to face her sister. "Just talking about my medical applications. How are you feeling, Kanae?"

"Much better, thanks to both of you," Kanae replied, making her way down the steps to join them. "I've been thinking we should host a holiday party. It's been too quiet around here."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Giyu said, his tone light, though his eyes remained troubled.

Shinobu nodded, grateful for the distraction. "I agree. It will be nice to have some joy and laughter in the house again."

As the days passed, the preparations for the holiday party kept everyone busy. The house was transformed with decorations, and the kitchen buzzed with the scents of festive foods being prepared. Kanae's mood lifted with each passing day, her laughter filling the rooms once more.

Despite the cheerful atmosphere, Shinobu and Giyu found it increasingly difficult to hide their true feelings. Every stolen glance, every accidental touch, was a reminder of the bond they shared yet could never acknowledge.