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(Artist: ??) (🎉REQUESTS ARE OPEN🎉)
A month had passed, and Obanai couldn't shake the memory of that conversation. It bothered him, and he couldn't understand why. It seemed absurd to care about a random person who had been nice to him once. And yet... He found himself growing agitated, almost anxious. Where the hell were you? Iguro sat on the roof of a building, deep in his thoughts. Just as he was lost in contemplation, a soft humming tune interrupted his train of thought. Curious, he decided to investigate. To his surprise, it was you.
You strolled through the zen garden with that cheeky smile on your face. Iguro, for the first time in his life, paced with frustration. He was beyond annoyed, and he didn't know why. It took every ounce of self-control not to ask where you had been. As soon as his eyes locked onto you, he found himself moving toward you. "You're alive," he said, stopping a few feet away. "Hm?" Surprised by the sudden voice, you turned around and smiled. "Master Iguro! Good afternoon!"
"Good afternoon," he echoed. His gaze wandered over your form, checking for any signs of injury or distress. When he realized what he was doing, he quickly looked away, trying to hide the fact he was concerned. "Thank you for checking on me! I have returned safely." Damnit, he cursed himself. He hadn't meant to make his concern so obvious. He forced himself to relax a little and nodded in acknowledgment of your statement.
"Good," he said gruffly. "So, the mission went well, I assume?" You nodded vigorously. "Yes, Master," Obanai grunted in response but said nothing more. His hands were clenched in his pockets, though only one was actually in there while the other was tightly balled into a fist. Inwardly, he struggled to maintain his usual stoic demeanor. Dammit, why was he acting like this? "How are you feeling?" you asked.
That was it. Obanai nearly snapped. He wanted to lash out at you, vent his frustration—anything because he was so damn frustrated. He wanted to tell you to mind your own business. Instead, he breathed out through gritted teeth and said, "I'm fine." His words were short, and his tone was cold. "I'm so glad to hear that. I see Kaburamaru is looking healthy as well."
His expression softened just a bit. Of course, you'd notice how healthy his snake was. "...Yep," he said gruffly, shifting his stance slightly. His eyes locked onto your face, analyzing every detail and feature. He was doing his best to keep himself together. "I'm sorry to cut our conversation short, but I must pay a visit to the Insect Hashira. Have a good day, Master!" You bowed and walked away. Obanai clenched his fist tightly as you turned away. No—
He nearly lunged forward, his hand shooting out to grab your wrist before you could leave. But he stopped himself at the last moment, his hand hovering in the air, trembling. Damnit. What the hell was wrong with him? Why was he so...so attached? A few weeks passed, and Iguro had barely run into you due to the demands of work. He tried to keep his mind off you, but it felt like torture. No, it was torture. Obanai hadn't slept. He'd barely eaten. He'd lost track of how many times he'd paced around his room.
