Chapter One: Assertions of the heart

275 9 1
                                    

"That's stupid. You're stupid!" Inosuke sounded irritated, more than usual, and turned to look at Zenitsu. He pointed to his face (unruly pretty face) and said one word, "Boar." "I already told you!! Tanjiro insisted it be washed!! I didn't do a thing!" Inosuke growled and grabbed the neck of Zenitsu's shirt, "Oh my God, please don't hurt me!"

Suddenly, the fair faced boy laughed. "Where," it  was spoken more like a demand than a question, yet Inosuke's expression was calm. Zenitsu nodded, "Near the stream, not far into the forest. That's where he is." Inosuke nodded and started running. With remarkable speed and agility.

Eventually Inosuke reached the stream and there stood Tanjiro. Leaning over glistening trails of water, picking up, sure enough, Inosuke's boar head. He had a warm smile, looking at it quite fondly.  Inosuke stood for a moment, admiring how the fresh and clean liquid perfectly reflected Tanjiros admirable features. That paired with the sunset's irresistible shine, he looked beautiful. Tanjiro, who had felt someone was staring holes into him, turned around, surprised to see Inosuke. "Oh, hi!" He smiled, the same smile he'd always had. But in this scenery, it was so much more emphasized. So much more commendable. Inosuke felt his heart skip, but it was no lasting feeling. The two of them looked in longing, painful silence at the other, for what seemed like forever, but was in reality a few moments.

[You've unlocked the chapter 1 gallery image!]

[You've unlocked the chapter 1 gallery image!]

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

Tanjiro smiled wider, and he turned his head. He sat the boar head on the ground below him, and looked at the sunset. "Can I tell you something Inosuke?" Mentioned male was caught off guard and after a a moment of silence he grunted, symbolizing a yes. Tanjiro looked lost in the suns light, and spoke three words. "I like someone." Inosuke felt his heart pang. Hope? Fear? Maybe Zenitsu had poisoned his food?

"She's beautiful. I've never seen.. a face like hers. This sunset reminds me of her. Because even though it's here everyday, I can't seem to stop looking when she's around," Tanjiro's voice was more happy than usual, he sounded absolutely full of joy. And then he turned to look at Inosuke, "Have you ever felt like that about anyone?"
"I think.. that I have felt that for one person." Inosuke smiled, though it was faint, and hard to see. 

Tanjiro then let out a huff of air, and handed the boars head to Inosuke, "Let's head back. Zenitsu's probably worried. Not to mention I left Nezuko back there."
Inosuke nodded, and slipped his head into his mask. "Tanjiro.." "Hm?" "What do I do.. if the person that makes me feel that way.. is my friend?" Tanjiro simply smiled, "You'll figure it out."

"Yeah. I'll figure it out.."

Obstinate [Inotan]Where stories live. Discover now