SERENE || Kimetsu No Yaiba

O23

•°•☆ 𝙺𝚘𝚌𝚑𝚘 𝚂𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚘𝚋𝚞 ☆•°•

I woke up and everything was already dark. There were no sun rays, not even the orange color the sky shows when the sun is setting.

I have been sleeping for so long already.

I let out a groan before standing up. My body kinda hurts from the sudden fight with the Water Head. Now, I am starting to feel embarrassment after realizing that all pillars witnessed that.

Speaking of which, I remembered hearing the announcement from Oyakata-sama about the headquarters.

"Kocho-sama?"

I heard a soft voice from the outside calling my name. I instantly fixed my hair into its usual style and clipped it with a butterfly ornament. I made sure I looked proper before I opened my bedroom door.

"Yes, Aoi?"

"The Pillars left just a while ago. I told them to inform you personally that they're leaving, but no one listened." She frowned while massaging her temples.

Sometimes, I pity her for going through a lot. Aoi has always been like this, but I will never set aside the fact that she has a big heart and helps anyone in need.

"It's fine. Thank you for telling me anyway." I smiled at her before walking towards the courtyard.

"I thought only the Shinazugawas are stubborn." She sighed once more while taking small steps beside me.

"We all are stubborn." I laughed before facing her, "I have something to do, Aoi."

She knew what I meant and she just nodded before walking away.

I had to make sure that no demons are lurking outside the estate. No demons must be wandering nearby. I don't want any more casualties in places near us, demon slayers. I never forgot how my sister died and I never will.

That's what's keeping me do my duty as a demon slayer.

It's our job to protect the townspeople without asking for any recognition. Their safety is our obligation.

I sighed and was about to make a sharp turn to the left when I bumped into a familiar figure.

His scent alone is enough for me to know who he was.

"T-Tomioka!" I widened my eyes as I stepped back to keep my distance.

"Oh? You're awake?" He asked with a straight face. I don't even know if he's being serious or not.

"Obviously." I rolled my eyes to divert my gaze from him.

That's right, Shinobu. Keep rolling your eyes until you can finally see your brain.

I shook my head to forget about those thoughts. I must try and not be affected by this person standing in front of me. I wanted to keep my gaze elsewhere, but it automatically landed on his torso part.

That's when I just noticed that he was already wearing his haori!

"Your haori..." I unwantedly blurted out, causing him to chuckle.

It's still unusual for me to witness those laughs and smiles. He's always gloomy and blue, so don't blame me if I see it weird.

"Here." I didn't notice that he was holding my haori, "Better wear it now."

My butterfly printed haori.

I happily accepted it from him. I can finally wear this again and not feel uncomfortable with just the demon slayer uniform alone.

"Thanks." I bowed before walking past him. My hand found its way to my left chest and only God knows how fast my heart is reacting.

I don't like it. I don't like feeling this way because this was never like me. This was new for me.

"Kocho." He followed me.

"Why are you still here? I thought everybody left for the headquarters?" I tried to sound as calm as possible even though the sound of my heart is filling my ears.

"Am I not allowed to stay?" He asked.

That was a simple question, yet I found it too difficult to answer.

"Why are you walking too far from me?"

"Hmm?" I turned to look at him, only to find out how big our distance was.

Did I really walk that fast or is he just slow?

"Do I look like I have a disease?" He monotonously spoke.

I didn't and I won't show him that I am affected by the way he speaks. Yes, I think I am literally turning insane and I do not know what to do about my state.

"Last time I checked, you have a high fever." Gaining every courage I have, I smiled at him before turning away.

I was supposed to take my next step when he grabbed my arm.

You'll never know how fast this pillar can sprint.

"Then have me checked." He said before dragging me to the treatment area.

I had no energy to speak or pull away. My body felt like it had made it's own decision. It was like letting Tomioka Giyu do whatever he wants.

Instead of throwing words, I just closed my mouth and refrained from speaking. My heart is still not calming down from when he gave my my haori until now.

Why do you do things to me?

I breathed in heavily, starting to get annoyed with my feelings. I was really confused and I don't know how I would deal with this.

I find it unfair.

Unfair that I'm the only one suffering from this weird feeling.

"Wait!" I panicked and put him to halt.

He gazed at me before having a questioning look written on his face.

I, apparently, was not yet ready to enter the treatment area with him. I was not yet ready to run a check up on him.

I just woke up from my deep sleep and I don't think I'll function properly especially when the both of us are alone.

I needed to buy some time in order to calm down and relax.

I needed to control whatever I'm feeling right now. I need to calm these butterflies in my stomach.

"Can I prepare tea for the both of us first?" I asked with fingers crossed, hoping he'd give me 'yes' as an answer.

Without further ado, he made a right turn while still holding my wrist.

We were heading to the kitchen and that only made me sigh in relief. At least, I have enough time to divert my attention.