𝑅𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝑀𝑒 [ ObaMitsu fanfic/ R-(MA)] Kimetsu No Yaiba

Chapter 26 - The Iguros

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Rengoku opened the door and led Mitsuri into the apartment. Mitsuri glanced toward Obanai's open bedroom, the room dark and empty, only deepening the ache in her chest. She sat at the dining table, her heart heavy with emotions, staring at his room, wishing he were home already.

As Rengoku came out of his room, he sensed her distress. Quietly, he made his way to the kitchen, preparing some green tea while his mind wandered, wondering what was going on. He had been away from the apartment, visiting his mother, who was ill. Things hadn't been looking good, and the thought weighed heavily on him. The quiet hum of the city outside filled the room, giving them a brief moment of calm before the storm brewing inside Mitsuri broke.

When the tea was ready, Rengoku brought the cup to Mitsuri and made one for himself. He sat across from her, watching as she stared down at her tea.

"Thank you, Rengoku," she said, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes, hiding her true feelings.

"It's no problem at all... Mitsuri, what's going on? Why were you crying?" he asked gently.

Mitsuri took a deep breath before opening up, her hands trembling as they wrapped around the cup. She tried to hold back her tears, but Rengoku placed his hand on hers, offering her a reassuring smile.

"Kanroji, tell me what's wrong."

She told him everything—how things between her and Obanai had become strained, how retrieving her belongings from his place had been awkward, and what Misaki had said about Obanai being responsible for his family's deaths. As she explained, her voice trembled, guilt and confusion washing over her. Rengoku's usual warmth faded, replaced with a serious, contemplative expression. He wasn't angry at her, but at the situation. He now understood why Obanai was the way he was—so closed off, always carrying an invisible burden.

"I know I'm assuming things since I haven't heard his side of the story," Mitsuri whispered, her voice breaking. "But my heart keeps telling me to run away. What if he is a killer? What if—" She paused, her words hanging in the air, heavy with doubt. "I just... I don't know what to feel, what to think. At first, he didn't want to talk, and then after she brought it up, he did, but I was too scared. On one hand, I want to be there for him, but on the other hand, I don't want to be mistreated again..."

Rengoku sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair as he gathered his thoughts. "Mitsuri, you're more than enough. But Obanai... his scars run deeper than you could ever imagine. It's a miracle he survived at all." He paused, searching for the right words. "He didn't grow up like most of us. His family—the Iguro estate—was famous. They were known for their wealth and beauty, but it came at a terrible cost."

Mitsuri looked at him, confused. She had always known that Obanai was reserved, but she had never known anything about his family or past.

Rengoku's voice dropped, a dark seriousness creeping into his tone. "The Iguro estate was known for its beauty and wealth, but it was cursed. For over three centuries, no boy had been born into the family. When Obanai was born, he wasn't seen as a child. He was a trophy, a symbol. They paraded him like an object, not a person. It broke him, Kanroji. Mentally, physically."

Mitsuri's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as Rengoku's words sank in.

"He wasn't allowed to be human," Rengoku continued, his voice hollow. "From the moment he could walk, they locked him away if he disobeyed—buried him alive beneath the estate. A prison... for a child. Can you imagine what that does to someone?"

Mitsuri covered her mouth, tears welling up as she struggled to comprehend the horror of what he was saying.

"One night, men broke into the estate. They were there for money, jewels—anything they could steal. They threatened to kill everyone if anyone tried to escape. Obanai was just a boy, hiding in his room, terrified. He didn't hear their threats." Rengoku's voice grew softer, more strained. "He got the chance to run, and he took it."