Gifts and roses..-*

Chapter 7 - nothing.

Sanemi returned home for the seventh night that week with nothing on his doorstep.

The routine had become a ritual of disappointment; each evening he returned, hoping to see just a small hint of red, only to find his doorstep barren. He was starting to believe he scared the admirer away; thing is- he had left a note outside his door, with three little words- a simple, probing question- Who are you?
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It was intended solely for the admirer of course, not like anyone else visited him- if they did, they would probably assume he had gone insane.

Sanemi walked past his empty doorstep with a growing annoyance. He entered his home and began to busy himself, putting away his belongings after a day out. He slammed cupboard doors shut a lot more aggressively than they deserved, but he couldn't help it. His emotions were all over the place right now, and he hated it. He found himself at a loss. He missed the simplicity of his life a few months back, with no complicated emotions to confuse him like this.

It was like he was being followed, mired in a complex web of curiosity, concern, and a strange longing. It was overwhelming. Sanemi ran a hand through his messy hair, staring into the dimly lit room. This was driving him insane... He began to pace around, if he really had scared the admirer away, how would he get them back? Just start being nice to every slayer in the corps?

No- that was ridiculous. But it was even more ridiculous that he was seriously considering it right now. He had began to care a lot more about this than he initially bargained he would. Perhaps if he got rid of the note? But no, that probably wouldn't help either, if they weren't visiting him anymore.

He rubbed a hand down his face and groaned, this was hopeless. Maybe he had lost them for good and should just get over it, go back to his life before the admirer. It would probably be for the best...

But then an idea struck in his mind.

Maybe... it was finally time to pay Mitsuri a visit.

He wasted no time thinking about it, grabbing a bag and filling it with the items the admirer had left. He moved toward the door as he fastened the top, ready to leave. But as soon as he stepped outside, something unexpected caught his eye.

Finally, there sat another bundle, neatly placed on the doorstep.

He froze, momentarily taken aback. His bag slipped from his grip, forgotten, as he quickly snatched up the new cloth bundle. His fingers fumbled with the knot, urgency and confusion colliding. He had only just returned home. How had they delivered it so quickly? And how had he missed them? Would they have answered his question?

Inside were the usual wildflowers and a note. No gift this time, he thought, maybe they'd been busy. Perhaps that explained their absence, he could only hope as he grabbed hold of the note. His fingers fumbled as he unfolded the paper, heart pounding as he finally saw what he'd been waiting for.

His eyes scanning the carefully written words with desperation.

'So, you're impatient? I didn't expect you to ask outright. It's fitting, though.

Look closer than you think.'

Sanemi stared at the note. What did that mean? Look closer than you think? He rubbed his face angrily. This person was so cryptic. Why wouldn't they just tell him?

With a huff, he stuffed the note and flowers into his bag, his patience wearing thin. The entire situation was becoming increasingly maddening. He had no time to waste deciphering riddles, he had had enough thinking. Determined to get some answers he grabbed his things and made his way to Mitsuri's.

-

Sanemi walked up to Mitsuri's estate, a charming building surrounded by a well-tended garden. The soft pink hues of blooming flowers matched the delicate paper lanterns that lined the path, casting a warm, welcoming glow in the early evening.