Justice is Blind |『 Female OC 』• Kimetsu no Yaiba

Act 48: Winter Has Passed

Time passed, as it always does. The era of demons became a distant memory, their presence fading into the annals of history like a shadow dissolved by light. Generations rose and fell, leaving behind whispers of their ancestors' struggles. Society evolved, its people forging ahead, their lives no longer dictated by fear of the night.

The modern era unfolded, a world of bustling cities, gleaming technology, and new possibilities. Yet, some things remained unchanged: the winter snow falling gently from the sky, blanketing the streets in a pristine white hush, and the laughter of youth that echoed through the air.

On this chilly morning, the streets were alive with activity as people moved about their routines. Amidst the bustling crowd, three high schoolers walked together, their warm scarves and jackets shielding them from the cold as they made their way to school.

Steam puffed from their mouths as they spoke, their breath visible in the frosty air as their laughter rang through the quiet street, cutting through the crisp winter air like a melody.

"Setsuko!" a girl's voice rang out from behind them, cutting through the gentle hum of the morning. The boy at the front of the group turned at the sound of his name. His white hair caught the weak morning sunlight, and his blue eyes sparkled warmly as he smiled.

"Emi?" he called back, spotting the girl running toward them. Approaching them was a girl, her greyish-white hair flowing behind her, streaked with a soft gradient of silvery-white near the tips. Her golden eyes gleamed, though they were narrowed in focus as she jogged toward them.

There was an unmistakable resemblance between her and Setsuko despite their differing features. Their shared familial connection was apparent in their faces' subtle curves and smiles. Setsuko and his friends paused, turning to face her as Emi reached them, slightly out of breath.

She bent forward, her hands on her knees, trying to steady her breathing. "I told you I wasn't going to wait for you," Setsuko said gently, teasing her just enough to make her pout. "I know!" Emi said.

"You're so mean," Emi huffed, standing upright and thrusting a small bag toward him. "But here! The nice pink-and-green-haired lady at the bakery gave this to me. She said it's for you since it's your birthday today!" she added, her tone shifting to one of triumph.

Setsuko chuckled as he accepted the bag. His fingers brushed against the wrapping, the slight warmth still radiating from its contents. "Thanks, Emi," he said softly, ruffling her hair in a familiar, affectionate gesture. "You're the best," added Setsuko.

Emi's cheeks puffed out indignantly as she pushed his hand away. "I'm not a kid anymore, you know!" she protested, though her voice carried more playfulness than genuine annoyance. "I will get taller than you one day!" she challenged, making Setsuko smile.

Behind them, a girl with soft yellow hair and gentle green eyes shook her head, her expression exasperated but amused. "Setsuko-kun, your cousin is more thoughtful than you are sometimes," she remarked. Her tone carried a hint of teasing, though it was clear she shared in their camaraderie.

She crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "It's almost like she's your big sister," she added with a small smirk. Emi beamed, clearly pleased by the compliment. "Thank you, Hangeki-chan!" she chirped, but the yellow-haired girl sighed with mock exasperation.