What wasn't there before |Sanemi Shinazugawa x Reader|

❄️22❄️

After the talk with Giyu, you hadn't realized how long and exhausting today had been. Your eyes felt heavy which Giyu took notice of right away.

"You're tired," Giyu said softly. "Let me set up a bed for you and you can stay here for the night."

You nodded, too tired to make much of a response. Giyu had led you to a room at the back of his house. There wasn't much to the room, but it was cozy with soft muted colors that made you feel at ease. Giyu pulled out fresh sheets and a warm blanket, making sure to make the bed with care.

"It's all ready," Giyu said turning to you. "Get some sleep. You'll need it for your mission in the morning."

You didn't need any further encouragement. As you lay down on the bed, you felt a wave of relief wash over you and within moments, you were asleep.

Giyu stood by the door, watching you for a moment longer. With a quiet sigh, he closed the sliding door quietly leaving you to rest peacefully. 

Giyu sat in his main room going through the events of earlier today with you. He couldn't shake the image of you confessing your feelings towards Sanemi instead of him. 

You had always been closer to him than Sanemi. He treasured you deeply and admired your strength and kindness. No matter how much he tried he realized how deep your feelings for Sanemi ran. Giyu was left with the grappling bitter taste of unspoken love.

Giyu thought about how he could make you notice him more. He wasn't one for grand gestures or elaborate schemes; his stoic nature often kept him from expressing his emotions. But he knew he had to do something. He couldn't let you slip away from him.

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The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon as you stood by the gate, your heart heavy with a mix of emotions. Giyu's calm eyes meet yours, and you force a smile trying to mask the conflict within yourself.

"I'll be back soon," you said, reaching out to squeeze his hand.

Giyu's grip was firm but tender. "I know. Be careful out there," he replied, his voice wavering subtly. You took notice of this but decided that now was not the best time to ask. 

Giyu pulled you into a gentle embrace and softly kissed your forehead. "Be safe."

You pulled away and forced a smile before turning away.

The walk to the meeting point felt like a march towards your impending doom. You spotted Kanae first, her serene smile caused a knot in your stomach. Sanemi stood beside her, his expression unreadable as always.

"Kanae-san, Shinzugawa-san," you greeted, trying to keep your voice steady. 

Kanae beamed at you. "Good morning! Ready for the mission?"

You nodded, avoiding Sanemi's piercing gaze. "Yes let's get moving."

Sanemi was confused by your reaction, not knowing what made you want to avoid his gaze.

As you three set off, the silence between you three felt heavy. Kanae, ever the peacemaker, tried to fill it with light conversation. 

"(Y/N)-san! I've heard that you and Tomioka-san are together, I do hope he is treating you right."

Your gaze shifted uncomfortably toward the ground feeling as if it was the most interesting thing in the world, "He treats me very well. Almost too much," you laughed uncomfortably.

Kanae does not notice how uncomfortable you felt with your answer. She looked at you with genuine warmth, and for a moment, you felt guilty for your complicated feelings for her boyfriend.