影と風 | Kage to Kaze | Shinazugawa Sanemi x reader |

28 - Birthday

I woke up early, too early for my usual schedule, but today was special. It was November the 29th. The sun hadn't even risen fully when I heard a knock on the door. Peeking through, I saw Genya, already carrying a basket full of ingredients. His face lit up in a shy grin when I opened the door.

"Ready?" he asked, shifting the basket in his arms.

"As I'll ever be," I said, tying my hair back. "Let's make sure your brother actually enjoys this day for once."

We spent the entire morning prepping Sanemi's favorite foods, and Genya took the lead, rattling off everything from memory. Watching him slice, dice, and mix with such care was heartwarming. The way he idolized Sanemi was evident in every little detail he fussed over.

By midday, the kitchen smelled divine, though it looked like a hurricane had passed through. Flour dusted my hair, and Genya had a streak of soy sauce on his cheek, but we were grinning ear to ear as we surveyed the spread.

"Think he'll actually like it?" I asked, a bit nervous.

Genya scoffed, wiping his hands on his apron. "Aniki? He'll grumble about the effort but secretly love it. Trust me."

Sanemi had been gone all day, out slaying demons. It was perfect timing to set up. Genya and I decorated the main hall with some simple streamers and lanterns, nothing too flashy. A small cake sat in the center of the table, and the smell of freshly cooked meals filled the air.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we heard the familiar creak of the front door. I wiped my hands hastily and smoothed my hair, while Genya gave me a thumbs-up from his hiding spot behind the door.

Sanemi walked in, his white hair catching the warm glow of the lanterns. He looked tired, his usual scowl in place, but his eyes softened when he saw me.

"You're still up?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I had some things to take care of," I said nonchalantly.

His eyes flicked to the table, but before he could notice anything, he asked, "Have you decided yet? On the offer from Oyakata-sama?"

I hesitated, brushing my hands on my skirt. "I'm still thinking about it."

He let out a small huff, walking past me. As he did, his fingers lightly brushed mine, just for a second, but it sent a jolt through me. It wasn't the first time lately. His touches were subtle, almost accidental, but definitely intentional. Before I could dwell on it, I gave Genya the signal.

"Now!" I mouthed.

He sprang out, throwing confetti into the air. "Happy birthday!" we shouted in unison.

Sanemi froze in his tracks, his sharp eyes darting between me and Genya. "The fuck?"

"Surprise, now you are officially an old man," I said with a grin.

Sanemi rolled his eyes but smirked, crossing his arms. "Old man, huh? I'm starting to believe you've got a thing for old men."

My cheeks flushed, but I quickly brushed it off. "You wish," I shot back, sticking out my tongue.

Genya laughed, clapping his brother on the back. "Come on, Aniki. Sit down before the food gets cold."

Sanemi tried to play it off like it was no big deal, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward as he took in the sight. He sat at the table, eyeing the spread we'd prepared. "You two really did all this?"

"Don't act so surprised," I teased, taking a seat across from him.

We ate together, the three of us, and though Sanemi tried to act indifferent, I could tell he was enjoying himself. Genya told stories about their childhood, making us all laugh, and Sanemi even joined in a few rounds of teasing me about my cooking skills or lack thereof.