Twilight, Sanemi Shinazugawa

twenty six, heated

A/N: edited 9/27

—☆—

"He kissed you?"

You nodded, refusing to make eye contact with Giyuu as you swung your spear.

"And you liked it?" Giyuu's tone was curious, his brows knitting together in thoughtful surprise.

"Giyuu, why do you sound so disappointed?" you whined, finally turning to face him. The concern in his voice was unsettling.

"I'm not disappointed," he replied, tilting his head slightly. "I'm just surprised. I thought you couldn't stand him."

"I thought so too, but..." You sighed deeply, your voice trailing off as you stared at the ground, trying to sort through your emotions. "I don't know," you murmured softly.

Giyuu shook his head, his expression a mix of confusion and worry. He patted the spot beside him on the engawa. You walked over and sat down next to him, the cool evening breeze brushing against your face.

"What's wrong then?" he asked gently, his voice barely above a whisper as if afraid to disturb the tranquility around you.

"The final battle is approaching," you said, your tone serious and laden with worry. "I can't afford to let something as trivial as a crush distract me."

You thought back to earlier in the morning, when the Hashira had gathered to discuss the progress of your training. The meeting had been efficient and to the point, but the undercurrent of tension between you and Sanemi had been unmistakable. The air had been thick with unspoken words.

You hadn't had a moment alone with him since your "training" session, and you couldn't deny that you had been actively avoiding him.

"I don't think it would distract you," Giyuu commented, his voice steady as he placed his hands neatly in his lap, his eyes fixed on the serene garden in front of you.

"Come on," you said with a frown, frustration evident in your voice. "I've been working on this new form for the past two weeks, and I still haven't perfected it."

It irritated you more than you'd like to admit. The other forms of cosmic breathing came naturally to you, you barely had to think about it to create the breath style. Yet, the seventh form that you were currently working on had you stumped.

Giyuu's gaze softened as he observed you, the usual calmness in his eyes now tinged with empathy. "You're being too hard on yourself," he said quietly. "You're stronger than you think."

His words were a comfort, and you felt a little of the weight lift from your shoulders. You took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing thoughts. "Thanks, Giyuu," you said, managing a small, appreciative smile.

He nodded as he watched you stand up again, reaching for your spear with renewed resolve. He observed your movements closely, offering tips and adjustments to improve your stance and technique. His guidance was precise and thoughtful, aimed at helping you refine your form.

By the end of the training session, you were drenched in sweat, your muscles aching from the rigorous effort. Despite your relentless attempts, the form remained just out of reach. You were eager to keep going, but Giyuu gently intervened.

"It's getting late," he said, glancing up at the sky where dark clouds had begun to roll in. "It looks like it's going to rain soon."

Reluctantly, you agreed, acknowledging that you could use the break. The thought of a much-needed bath was enticing, and you made your way to the bathhouse.