The Cost of Pride~ Kokushibo x F! Reader (Completed)

She Was My Past, You Are My Future

The Hashira Training, directed by the Hashira, was a special training session that aims to improve all Demon Slayers' abilities and physical health. The last few weeks were hellish for you since you were training under each Hashira. From the Sound Hashira to the Rock Hashira, training was hell for you, and their preparation was a lot worse than Giyuu's training.

As you sat down with your back against the rock, panting heavily from the last bit of Gyomei's practice, you managed to pass, which was a good thing. "[name]-san!" You faintly smiled at the boy when you turned your head to look at Tanjiro, who smiled and waved at you from a distance before running towards you.

"Hey, Tanjiro-kun. You seem happy. Did you pass Himejima-san's test?"

You asked, tilting your head to the side as you waited patiently for his answer. "Mhm! I did!" Tanjiro nodded before sitting beside you, his burgundy eyes coming in contact with your hairpin resting in your palm. "You seem to like that hairpin, [name]-san. Did someone special give it to you?" At this point, you were too exhausted to give a complete answer to the boy.

Since you and the others trained as much as you could to prepare for the final fight, you nodded your head in response. "Yeah, someone special gave it to me, but I can't see him anymore. I have to admit that I miss his company, but I don't think he misses me anymore." You didn't notice Tanjiro frown when he could smell your sadness and guilt from where you were, so an idea sparked in his precious mind to make you smile.

"[name]-san, when you see this guy again, you should tell him how much you miss him! Be honest with your heart! I'm sure he misses you too!"

This boy was too precious for this world.

You thought to yourself as a small smile appeared on your lips. You then rose your hand and placed it on his head, ruffling his hair as if he was a younger brother to you. In all of the nineteen years that you have been alive for, you've never met such a sweet and outgoing boy. "You are such a gentle boy, Tanjiro. Please never change that."

Tanjiro was taken aback by how you smiled gently at him as his mother used to when she was alive. "You remind me of my mother. You have a gentle and pure scent surrounding you, [name]-san. I hope you find your happiness." You didn't see any trace of deception in the boy. He genuinely cared for your happiness and your relationship with Kokushibo... even though he didn't know who the mysterious man was. Instead, you nodded your head in acknowledgment of his wish for your comfort in this life. 

"I hope so too, Tanjiro-kun..." 

~•~

Soon enough, everyone went their separate ways when an Upper Moon Four made sure to divide everyone in Muzan's fortress. When you landed on your back, you let out a small cry of pain before getting up slowly after the Upper Moon used her Blood Art to separate you from Giyuu. "I thought I told you that the next time we see each other, I cut you down where you stand." You didn't need to look around to see who was speaking. When you rose your head, a small sigh left your lips when you caught sight of the man who wanted to cut ties with you.

"I didn't forget. I didn't have a choice to be here. If I did, I would not be here only to be transported to your location." You remarked. You furrowed your eyebrows as a small frown was displayed on your lips, dusting off your haori before placing your hand on the hilt of your sword. "I wanted to see you one last time. There is still time to be transformed back into a human, Kokushibo. You can start over."