Whispers of Water and Wind

Chapter 23 Moving on Form Past

Sanemi, had grown even closer to Tsutako. The way he treated her was a key part of what melted Giyuu's heart. Sanemi wasn't just trying to win Giyuu over; he genuinely cared about Tsutako. He listened to her stories, laughed with her, and even took her advice seriously, like the time she told him to bring Giyuu flowers. The bond between them blossomed, and Tsutako had begun calling him "Dad," even Giyuu had fully realized her own feelings.

There was one evening that changed things for Giyuu. She had prepared dinner, and they were all seated together-Sanemi, Tsutako, and her-talking and laughing like a real family. Sanemi reached over to take her hand, and for the first time, Giyuu didn't pull away. She felt the warmth of his touch, the sincerity in his gesture, and something inside her softened completely.

Giyuu closed her eyes, leaning in slightly, and Sanemi didn't hesitate. He closed the gap between them, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was soft, tender, and full of promise. It was the beginning of something new, something beautiful, something Giyuu had almost forgotten she could feel.

From that day forward, the change between them was undeniable. Giyuu no longer hesitated to show her feelings. She let Sanemi in, not just into her home, but into her heart. They became a family-one built not just on love, but on healing, trust, and the shared promise of a future together.

Sanemi had done more than just win Giyuu over-he had become someone she couldn't imagine her life without. And for Tsutako, he had become the father figure she'd always wanted. Together, the three of them formed a bond that was unbreakable, filled with love, laughter, and the kind of happiness that comes from knowing you're exactly where you're meant to be.

Several months had passed, and Giyuu and Sanemi had grown even closer, their bond deepening with each mission they shared. This time was different, though-there was an unspoken excitement in the air. They hadn't explicitly confessed their love for each other, but Giyuu had given Sanemi enough subtle hints to let him know her heart was his. Sanemi, ever observant, had picked up on those hints, and it made his heart soar.

After successfully defeating a demon together, they walked home under the night sky, their fingers intertwined. Giyuu was unusually lighthearted, a smile playing on her lips. The weight of her past with Sabito had eased. She had moved on, not because she had forgotten him, but because she knew this is what Sabito would have wanted-for her to live, to love, and to be happy again. And in Sanemi, she had found that happiness.

As they walked, Sanemi's crow suddenly landed on his shoulder, breaking the peaceful silence.

"New mission near the village of xxxx," the crow cawed.

Sanemi groaned in frustration. "What? I just finished this mission!" he exclaimed, clearly annoyed at the thought of leaving Giyuu so soon.

"Because you're closer to the village," the crow replied matter-of-factly.

Sanemi scowled. "Whaaaat..." he muttered under his breath, visibly displeased.

Giyuu chuckled softly, her warm smile lighting up her face. "It's fine, Sanemi. We can go together," she said gently.

Sanemi looked at her, his frustration melting away as he felt a rush of warmth. He shook his head and, holding her face tenderly in his hands, said, "No, you should go home and stay with Tsutako. I'll take care of this one."

Giyuu hesitated for a moment. "Are you sure?" she asked, searching his eyes.

Sanemi nodded. "Hmm," he hummed softly, then leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll be back soon."

Giyuu's smile widened, and she leaned up to kiss his cheek softly. "I'll be waiting," she whispered before turning and running off toward her estate.

Sanemi stood there for a moment, holding his cheek where she had kissed him, watching her disappear into the distance. His heart felt lighter than ever, happiness filling every part of him.

After completing the mission, Sanemi made his way to Giyuu's estate. This time, he didn't bother knocking-he simply entered her home, feeling as though he belonged there. As he walked in, he found Giyuu fast asleep at the dining table, her head resting on her folded arms. She must have been waiting for him.

The moment Giyuu felt his presence, she stirred and sat up, fixing her hair as she blinked sleepily. "Welcome home, Sanemi," she said, her voice warm and soothing, a soft smile spreading across her face.

Sanemi's heart skipped a beat. The sight of Giyuu welcoming him home, her expression so tender and full of warmth, made him feel as though they were already a married couple. His eyes lit up as he noticed the beautiful yukata she was wearing-the very one he had gifted her some time ago.

"I'm home," Sanemi replied, his voice a little huskier than usual, unable to tear his gaze away from her.

Giyuu was wearing a beautiful yukata, the one Sanemi had gifted her. The white fabric was adorned with soft pink floral patterns, likely inspired by cherry blossoms, with a matching obi that tied delicately at her waist. But it wasn't just the yukata that caught his attention. Her hair was adorned with a beautiful hairpin, pink petals cascading down in delicate floral designs that shimmered softly under the dim light. She looked absolutely captivating, and Sanemi felt his heart tighten in his chest.

Unable to resist, Sanemi moved closer, gently cupping her face in his hands, his thumb brushing across her cheek. "You look so beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

Giyuu blushed at his words, and without saying anything, she leaned closer, their faces just inches apart.

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