Whispers of Water and Wind

Chapter 14 A Good Friend

After the Hashira meeting, Sanemi stormed out of the room, his emotions spiraling out of control. His heart pounded against his chest, and his hands trembled with a mixture of fear and frustration. He couldn't bear it—couldn't stand the thought of losing control, His emotions were bottled up, like water overflowing from a glass, and no matter how much he tried to hold it all in, the pressure was becoming unbearable. He felt like a fragile piece of glass—any attempt to fix him would shatter him further, hurting everyone around him.

Sanemi's mind whirled as he walked, his heart heavy with a pain he didn't know how to handle. He never imagined, even in his wildest dreams, that Giyuu would get married, and have a daughter. It was as if his world had turned upside down in an instant. Today, of all days, he had planned to confess his feelings to Giyuu. He had always wanted to apologize for the mistakes he'd made, to tell her how sorry he was for the things he had said, but he had never found the right words. Now, it seemed too late.

His face was clouded with sorrow, a gloom that was evident to anyone who looked his way. But no one knew why.

As Sanemi made his way through the gates, he heard a voice call out from behind him.

"Shinazugawa, where are you going? Wanna join me for lunch?" Iguro asked casually.

Sanemi barely turned, his voice hollow. "No, I'm fine." His tone betrayed the sadness he felt after seeing Giyuu's daughter.

"You're not fine," Iguro insisted, stepping closer. "That's why I'm asking. Come on, let's go to XXXX restaurant. They've got the best food in town." He placed a hand on Sanemi's shoulder, attempting to cheer him up.

Sanemi shrugged off Iguro's hand, frustration bubbling up inside him. "I said I'm fine, just leave me alone," he snapped.

Iguro didn't budge, his voice calm but firm. "And I said you're not. Do you think I'm blind? I can't see what's happening to you?"

Sanemi rolled his eyes, irritation seeping through his defenses. "Of course, you're blind."Iguro smirked under his mask. "Only from one eye, bitch," he retorted, jabbing his hand lightly into Sanemi's stomach.

Sanemi winced, grabbing Iguro by the neck in mock annoyance. "That's still blind, asshole! And that hurt!"

"Shut up, idiot," Iguro shot back, grinning. "Now tell me what's bothering you. It's written all over your face, even from miles away."

Sanemi let out a sigh, trying to laugh it off. "Nothing," he said, forcing a smile.

They reached the restaurant and found a table. After placing their order, Iguro leaned back, eyeing Sanemi carefully.

"So, tell me," Iguro pressed again.

Sanemi furrowed his brow. "About what?"

Iguro narrowed his eyes playfully. "Do you want me to break your face?"

Sanemi smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Wanna try?"

Iguro leaned forward, his tone serious yet teasing. "Just tell me. You love that stupid Tomioka, don't you? And now you're broken inside after learning about her daughter. Just admit it."

Sanemi stiffened, turning his gaze away. "What-what-what are you talking about?" he stammered, trying to hide his discomfort.

Iguro shook his head, exasperated. "Seriously, you're so damn stupid sometimes."

After a moment, Sanemi sighed deeply. "Yeah... you're right," he finally admitted, his voice soft, his eyes downcast.

Iguro's face softened. "Are you serious about Tomioka?"