✿~'|Chapter 9|'~✿
"Crush"
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Warnings
This chapter contains...
Side ships mentions
My ships
bullying
Genya x Kanao
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✿~'|Kanao's Pov|'~✿
The day he walked me home made me realize I began feeling slightly different when it came to Genya. Most people say I would have feared him, or dislike him in any kind of way, because of the way he acts and treats others. But to think he would wanna walk me home, made me have a different perspective on him. On an ordinary Thursday afternoon, a day filled with the dull hum of classroom lectures and the whispers of gossip that seemed to follow me like a shadow. The fact that the rumors of me and Genya secretly dating always got to me, but at the same time, why was there... enjoyment and thought into these rumors....??
When the final bell rang, I began to wonder if Genya was actually serious about even walking me home, so I found herself hesitating outside the school gates, the familiar fear creeping back into my heart. Genya did mention I was stronger than I thought, but I wasn't sure what he exactly meant but that, so braced myself for the usual comments and laughter, knowing myself that it was never gonna end, no matter where I go, there are always judgement eyes. But I felt a familiar presence behind me.
"Hey," he said, a simple word that sent unexpected warmth through my spine. "Do you want me to walk you home again? Either way you shouldn't leave without me" he was actually serious about that?
My heart raced. He was known for his rough exterior, but there was something different in his eyes, a glimmer of kindness that for some reason makes me feel safe. "I didn't think it were still serious... about that..." I managed to answer, my body shaking just a little. "do I look like a liar to you?"
"N-no! It's not that at all! I just didn't expect that someone would do something like that for me..."
"Start believing I guess .." with that, he walked ahead as I began to run a little to catch up. As we walked, I was enveloped in a cocoon of silence, punctuated only by the distant sounds of the bustling street. Despite the fear of torment that often accompanied me on the way home, ever since Genya walked and began walking me home, everything felt different. The usual group of bullies was nowhere in sight, and the weight of anxiety lifted as Genya walked beside me.
After we arrived at my home, I turned to thank him, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips, there was still a hint of fear, but it didn't change that I still felt a little safe. But all he did was nod, his expression unreadable, then he left with a wave over his shoulder. For me the memory of that moment lingered long after he disappeared from view. The first time he walked me home, he didn't mind chatting, but I think he wasn't in the mood today, I was hesitant at the idea, but I decided to atleast try to check on him..
If he did offer to do this for me often, I wonder if there is still gonna be a chance to become friends.
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The next day at school, I discovered a new kind of nervous energy surging through me. Every glance in Genya's direction sent a signal to my heart, allowing it to beat faster. Entering the classroom, I was immediately met by the teasing voice of my two friends
"Well, well! Looks like someone has a crush!" Nezuko teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned in closer. "C-crush?!" I yelled a little, covering my mouth a little as the other students began to stare at me, some even laughing at the sound of my voice. I didn't speak as much because I thought every time I talked, others were only judging me..
"It's on Genya right? You like him!"
My face only flushed red, and she shot a glance out the door, my eye landing on Genya across the hallway talking with Tanjiro and Muichiro, oblivious to the attention. "I'm not...," I started, but the words felt hollow. Inside, I could no longer deny the fluttering feelings that had taken root.
Aoi however put her book down and sighed, looked concerned. "Are you sure he’s good for you, Kanao? He has a reputation, you know. What if he isn’t nice? You know how he treats others, you've seen it happen a couple of times as well. The fact he even treated you harshly when you first met.... I'm just worried about the whole idea.." There was genuine worry in her voice, a plea for my safety.
Maybe he did have a rough reputation, but he had shown me a kindness that felt foreign to me, one that ignited a spark long buried beneath layers of shyness. "But he walked me home, and offered to protect me...." I whispered, almost as if trying to convince herself.
"I mean, Aoi is right about that....but you forget people can change, remember Aoi! You used to be a lot meaner! Now you changed!"
"That was middle school! I changed!"
"See?? He can change...!"
"I still think it's a bad idea..."
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Later, when lunch arrived, I began to feel hesitant again, I wanted to talk to Genya, to least send a reminder for myself, but I unsure how to approach him. Taking a deep breath, I mustered the courage to walk over and take a seat at the edge of the table where he sat. My heart hammered in my chest.
"Um, hi," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Genya looked up, surprise flashing across his features before a reluctant smile broke through his tough facade. "Hey." There was a brief silence, the kind that hung heavy with unspoken words.
"I....I know I said this yesterday but...Thanks for walking me home yesterday, I really do appreciate it .." I said, feeling bolstered by his attention. "It helped a lot."
He scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin forming. "No problem. Don’t let those jerks get to you. You’re stronger than you think."
I felt heat rise to her cheeks. "I-I don’t really know about that…" I really do wonder what he means by that, when he knows I couldn't even do anything about the whole bully situation by myself.
As lunch continued, We shared small stories, laughter spilling forth like sunlight breaking through clouds. For me the warmth in my chest grew stronger, and each moment spent with him made my heart thud with a new rhythm, one that echoed with the hope of becoming friends....while the only was longing to something more....
✿~'Thanks for reading|'~✿
"Total words: 1184"
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Fun facts for this book :D
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↓↓↓
"Genya is only more talkative when he gets into a certain topic with someone, normally with people he likes talking with, it's the same for Kanao, "
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