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

Chapter 78 - Goodbye to the Past, Hello to New Beginnings

Chapter Song:  Trème - "Remedy" (on repeat)

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Three Weeks Later

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows of the nearly empty room. Mitsuri sat cross-legged in the center, surrounded by half-packed boxes and scattered belongings. The sight was both chaotic and heartbreaking. She traced absent-minded patterns on the wooden floor with her fingertip, lost in her thoughts.

For three weeks, she'd been a whirlwind of motion: planning, packing, organizing. But now, in the stillness of this moment, it all came crashing down. Her mind raced with questions she couldn't answer, blame she couldn't place but still carried in her heart.

She heard the faint creak of the door opening and glanced up to see Obanai standing there. His usually sharp gaze softened when he saw her sitting in the middle of the disarray. Without a word, he crossed the room and lowered himself to sit across from her, his arms resting casually on his knees.

"Talk to me, Mits," he said gently, his voice low but insistent. "Are you still beating yourself up for what's happening?"

Mitsuri blinked, her emerald eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She hugged her knees to her chest, her voice trembling. "All this is hitting me hard now is all. I've been trying to keep it together... for everyone. But it feels like I've failed you all."

Obanai frowned, leaning closer. "Failed? Mitsuri, none of this is your fault."

"I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But I feel like it is. I keep trying to figure out how he knows my name and why is he after me if it was Kanae he was messing with... If I'd been stronger or smarter that night, if I'd put myself in front of her, maybe..." She trailed off, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Maybe none of this would've happened."

Obanai exhaled slowly, his gaze unwavering. "You're blaming yourself for things you couldn't control. You've done everything you could to protect her that night. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but don't punish yourself for something that isn't your fault."

She let out a shaky breath, wiping her face with the sleeve of her sweater. "But it doesn't feel fair. Kanae and Shinobu... they're dealing with so much, too. I don't want them to suffer from this. I don't want them to get hurt from this."

Obanai reached out, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "They won't. You're allowed to feel this way. You've been strong for everyone else, but it's okay to let someone be strong for you too."

Mitsuri sniffled, her gaze meeting his. "But what if I break?"

"Then I'll be here to pick up the pieces," he said simply. His voice was steady, unwavering, and full of quiet determination.

For a moment, silence settled between them. The weight of her emotions seemed to ease just a little under the warmth of his reassurance. Mitsuri hesitated before leaning forward, resting her forehead against his shoulder.

"Thank you," she murmured.

Obanai didn't reply immediately, but the way he shifted slightly to support her spoke volumes. He stayed there, silent and steady, offering her the comfort of his presence as the sun began to dip below the horizon.

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Meanwhile, down the hall, Kanae sat on the edge of her own bed, a photograph of her and Sanemi cradled in her hands. She had tried to stay optimistic these past weeks, offering smiles and reassurance to everyone. But now, in the solitude of her room, her mask slipped.

The image of them in highschool, of a time when life felt simpler and safer, brought a pang of longing. She traced her Sanemi's face in the photo and whispered, "I wish i could have just told you about it."