Hakuji felt the air shift again as Mitsuri's soft humming faded into the background. The store had gone from feeling warm to stifling. Koyuki tugged lightly on his sleeve, her brows knitted in concern.
"Hakuji," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Are you sure you're okay?"
He swallowed hard, forcing a tight smile. "I'm fine, Koyuki. Let's just pay and leave."
Koyuki didn't press him further, though her eyes lingered on his strained features. She followed him to the register, walking beside him as if her presence alone could shield him from whatever storm brewed in his mind.
The cashier scanned their items, but Hakuji's movements were rushed and mechanical. He pulled out his wallet, the tension in his shoulders unrelenting as he hastily handed over the cash.
Behind him, Mitsuri and Obanai finally made it to the line with their basket. Mitsuri chatted animatedly with Koyuki again, but the tension between the two men was impossible to ignore.
Obanai's gaze was relentless, following Hakuji's every movement. He said nothing, his silence more cutting than any words could have been.
Koyuki glanced back at Obanai, noticing his piercings for the first time. Her voice carried a gentle curiosity as she spoke to Mitsuri. "Your boyfriend has such interesting piercings. I wonder if they hurt?"
Mitsuri giggled, her fingers toying with the edge of her basket. "I'm not sure actually" She laughed awkwardly before adding, "he always has new piercings or tattoos, so I guess it doesn't hurt."
Koyuki raised a delicate brow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Really! They suit him. He has such a unique style."
Mitsuri beamed. "Doesn't he? He's the coolest!"
Koyuki's giggled. "By the way, do you like sweets, Mitsuri-chan? You seem like someone who might."
At this, Mitsuri lit up like a sparkler. "Oh my gosh, yes! I love sweets! Cakes, cookies, candy—everything!"
Koyuki chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Then let me make you some cookies as a thank-you for helping me earlier."
"Oh, no, no! That's really not necessary!" Mitsuri protested, waving her hands. "It's okay."
Koyuki shook her head, her smile unwavering. "I insist. Please, it would make me happy."
Mitsuri hesitated, her cheeks flushing. "Well... okay, if you're sure. Thank you so much!"
The girls exchanged numbers, but Koyuki gaze flicked back to Obanai, who had remained silent, his dark presence looming over the conversation like a shadow. "Would you like some too, Obanai-san?" she asked softly.
Obanai didn't respond immediately. His mismatched eyes darted toward Hakuji, who had finished paying and was hastily bagging their items. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and clipped. "No, thank you."
Koyuki blinked, visibly unsettled by the weight of his tone. Mitsuri noticed her unease and quickly leaned closer to her, whispering with a grin, "Don't mind him. He just looks scary sometimes, but he's really a cinnamon roll deep down!"
Koyuki tried to smile, but her gaze lingered on Obanai's sharp features and the cold gleam in his eyes. "Oh, okay..."
Hakuji grabbed their bags and motioned for Koyuki to follow him. His voice was tight as he muttered, "Let's go."
Koyuki hesitated, glancing back at Mitsuri. "It was nice meeting you. I'll let you know about those cookies!"
"Can't wait! Take care!" Mitsuri replied brightly, waving as they walked out.
____

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𝑅𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝑀𝑒 [ ObaMitsu fanfic/ R-(MA)] Kimetsu No Yaiba
Fanfiction"Please!!! If we are reborn, if we are reborn again as humans... Will you make me your wife? " The same blurry image of a woman with pink and green hair appears in Iguro's dreams every once in a while, haunting him with her words. Living his life as...