Where Paths Cross || Giyushino

A Growing Connection

Chapter 2: A Growing Connection

Giyu awoke to the sound of birds chirping and the soft light of morning filtering through the paper windows. He felt a slight weight pressing against him, and as his eyes adjusted, he realized that Shinobu was still fast asleep, her arm draped over him, her face peaceful and relaxed.

Trying not to disturb her, Giyu carefully wiggled his way out from under her arm and sat up, rubbing his eyes. He'd almost forgotten where he was until he saw the cozy surroundings of the Kocho household. Memories of last night-the shared dinner, the unexpected invitation, and Shinobu's snuggling-came flooding back, and his face warmed with embarrassment. It wasn't every day he found himself tangled up in someone else's family like this.

Just as he was about to stand, he heard a quiet chuckle from the doorway. Kanae was standing there, holding a tray with breakfast, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Good morning, Giyu-kun," she greeted warmly. "Did you sleep well?"

Giyu nodded, trying to keep his face neutral, though the faint blush lingered on his cheeks. "Y-Yes, thank you for letting me stay."

Kanae laughed softly. "I'm glad. You two looked so comfortable, I didn't want to wake you." She placed the tray down, filled with rice, miso soup, and freshly cut fruit. "Breakfast is ready. I thought I'd bring it here so you could both eat before you head home."

At the sound of "breakfast," Shinobu's eyes fluttered open. She yawned and stretched, her sleepy expression quickly turning into a bright smile when she spotted Kanae and the food. "Oh, good morning, Nee-san!" She looked at Giyu, completely unbothered by the fact that she'd basically turned him into a human pillow all night.

Giyu, still feeling a little self-conscious, gave her a small nod. "Good morning... Shinobu."

Shinobu grinned, noticing his discomfort. "You're looking a bit red this morning, Giyu-kun. Were you having some kind of embarrassing dream?" she teased, poking his shoulder.

Giyu stiffened, looking away, while Kanae laughed again at the playful exchange between them. "Well, it's nice to see you both getting along so well!" Kanae said, handing them each a bowl of rice.

As they ate together, Kanae told them about some of her plans for the day, mentioning the different medicinal plants she'd be working with. Shinobu perked up, clearly fascinated by her sister's work.

"Nee-san's really talented with medicine," Shinobu explained to Giyu, her face lighting up with pride. "Our family's been compounding medicines for generations. That's why we're so good at herbs and all kinds of treatments."

Giyu listened quietly, nodding along as he chewed his rice. He wasn't used to this kind of atmosphere-two sisters chatting happily, making him feel like part of their small family, even if just for a short while. He could feel the warmth they shared, and it reminded him a little of his own sister, Tsutako, waiting for him back at home.

When they finished eating, Kanae collected the dishes and set them aside, then smiled at Giyu. "Feel free to stay as long as you like, Giyu-kun. You're always welcome here."

Giyu hesitated, feeling the pull to return home but also reluctant to leave this newfound comfort. "Thank you, Kanae-san. I... I should probably head back. Nee-san might be worried."

Shinobu pouted a bit, crossing her arms. "Well, if you're going to keep running off like this, you'll just have to come back and visit us again soon. Promise?"

Giyu nodded, a small smile breaking through his usual stoic expression. "I... I promise."

As he made his way toward the door, Shinobu grabbed his sleeve one last time. "And next time, we're going to have another sleepover! No escaping!"