#kanae kochou x reader

[heyiwrotesomethings]

Is it possible for a kanae x demon fem reader, where in when kanae was fighting uppermoon 2 and thought she was gonna die, she was saved by demon r (first time meeting) and then r dissapears, but then fast forward to maybe where the kamado squad was introduced kanae was sent to the same mission as Shinobu to the mountain and they meet again, then they fall in love and such...yes!!

Thank You

Kanae Kochou x She/Her Demon Reader

A/N: I hope this is still readable! I did a lot of writing a few paragraphs and then deleting them all and starting over. Not sure why it was so difficult. Thank you for reading anyway! Word Count:2,720

Was this it? Was this how she was going to die? Kanae tried to remain standing, but the sheer cold of the air biting at her lungs and the wounds she had thus far obtained made it seem impossible. She could not stand by will power alone anymore and fell to her knees, hard. Yet she still held the hilt of her broken nichirin sword between her quivering hands.

She needed to keep fighting… the sunrise was not so far off, but it felt like it would never come. Her crow had gone in search of reinforcements, but she was so far out that it seemed unlikely they would make it in time.

The chill in the air grew colder as the Upper Moon made his casual approach, hiding his chuckle behind a single golden fan. The freezing air caught in Kanae’s throat and made her cough violently.

“Wow,” the demon breathed with what almost seemed like genuine wonder, “you lasted quite a long time. You should be proud! I can’t wait to have you be a part of me forever. What do you say, you must be tired, hm? Hurting, poor dear? Come, let me take your pain away,” his rainbow eyes sparkled as he flicked his fan closed and offered his hand, Kanae weakly knocked it aside with what remained of her blade, cutting his palm.

“I… I have people waiting for me at home. I can’t die,” she coughed and gasped as she attempted to force herself to her feet again, “I won’t.”

Her tormentor pouted and withdrew his hand, already perfectly healed.

“That’s really too bad. How I would hate to cover up any more of your beauty with blood… but seeing as you won’t see reason…”

The Upper Moon was gearing up his fans for another frigid attack, and Kanae prepared herself to use her final breathing technique. Though with her sword halved, she didn’t think it would do her any good.

“I’m so sorry, Shinobu.” She whispered, staring wide-eyed at the incoming attack that was coming much too quickly for her to dodge, she braced herself for the frigid blow, but instead the earth swallowed her up and she found herself engulfed in darkness.

Someone was holding her. They seemed to be phasing through the dirt, clay and rock as easily as a bird could fly through the sky. She could hear the earth rumble and crack around them, but the sound steadily grew more distant the deeper and further they went.

Kanae had instinctually held her breath when she had been pulled under, but she couldn’t last much longer.

“It’s alright, you can breathe.” A voice near her ear softly promised.

Kanae gasped for air, coughing again from the ice irritating her lungs. A gentle hand caressed her back as they continued to zoom through the Earth’s crust.

“We’re almost there, just a little longer.” The voice promised.

And soon Kanae found herself on solid ground again, well, above solid ground. Her vision was a bit blurry, but she could still make out most of the woman, the demon, hovering over her. Had she really escaped one demon only to land in the jaws of another?

“You’ll be alright,” the demon soothed, moving Kanae’s hair away from her forehead, “someone will come out and notice you soon, I’m sure. Just try to stay awake and keep breathing.”

Kanae blinked sluggishly before noticing that they demon had begun sinking back into the ground as the sound of hurried footsteps and shouts filled the early morning air.

“W-wait…” she inched her hand over the grass, but the demon had already sunk out of sight.

“Neesan! Fucking hell, what happened?!”

Shinobu quickly came into view above her with a group of Kakushi in tow. They had just received word about Kanae’s situation from her frantic crow and had hurriedly packed up to go find her, none of them had expected to find her battered and bleeding right in front of the mansion gates.

“Don’t just stand there, help me get her inside, hurry!” Shinobu barked, taking Kanae’s hand as the Kakushi rushed her inside on a stretcher.

“I didn’t even get to thank them…” Kanae murmured, half lucid.

Shinobu shook her head, “Don’t talk, just let us take care of you, okay?”

It was thanks to that demon and the quick work of her sister and accompanying Kakushi that Kanae survived her encounter with Upper Moon Two. As the years rolled by, she would wonder from time to time if she’d ever get to meet the demon who had saved her life again. As fate would have it, their paths would cross again four years later on Natagumo Mountain.

It had been a bit of a rough reunion, chaotic, anyway. Between the spider demon family, the poor poisoned slayers, the one-sided verbal beatdown Shinobu was giving Tomioka for protecting a demon, then having to chase after said demon… it was a busy night to say the least.

Kanae had decided to give chase while Shinobu swore up and down that she was going to be taking Tomioka and the Kamado boy into custody. However, Kanae had just about as much intention of killing the demon as Giyuu did. Sorry Shinobu, but this was all just too fascinating for Kanae. A demon that refused to fight even when backed up into a corner was something Kanae couldn’t turn a blind eye to, not since she had been saved by a demon four years ago.

Since that night, Kanae thought it was perhaps possible to befriend certain demons. After all, they were all human once and many certainly didn’t choose their fate. If they could combine power and resources with demons who hated Muzan as much as the corps did, that would be worth something, wouldn’t it?

Kanae reached her bare hand out to the small, round-eyed demon, cooing at her adorably vacant expression.

“You’re alright, I won’t hurt you.”

“Hmmm?” Nezuko tilted her head to the side and it was so cute, that Kanae was already thinking about what bedroom in the mansion received the least amount of sunlight during the day. Come hell or high water, she was adopting this cute, little demon!

Just before Kanae could take Nezuko’s hand in hers, she felt a faint rumbling below her feet, almost like a hum it was so faint. On instinct, her hand shot out and grabbed Nezuko’s wrist, on the look out for the next possible sign of danger.

A minuscule amount of time passed before she found herself tugged through the earth. It was a phenomena that she had only experienced one other time, but it was hard to forget the sensation. She she strained her eyes to look forward, but it was pitch black. She knew she was still holding onto Nezuko for dear life at least.

Ahead, she could hear the demon responsible for dragging them under frantically mutter to herself.

“I just don’t even know what to do! Tanjirou is badly hurt and has been taken into custody, Zenitsu was poisoned and Inosuke was squeezed like a grape! They’re all too badly beaten for me to take them away from the only people around who can heal them. I can easily get Nezuko out, but that will mean Tanjirou will be doomed for sure then, wouldn’t it? Ah! I don’t know what to dooo! I should have come sooner!”

“Excuse me!” Kanae called out, holding onto Nezuko for dear life, “Could you slow down a bit, please?” She didn’t know what would happen if she was left alone in the ground, but it couldn’t be good.

(Y/n) felt her heart stop beating, not that it really mattered too much, but it was still a shock. She had no trouble seeing through the total darkness, so she jerked her head back to look over her shoulder and found that she had an extra passenger. (Y/n) gasped and immediately slowed her pace so the human could stay connected. If the pressure from the tons of dirt and rock didn’t kill her, suffocation definitely would!

Kanae could just feel the demon’s panic rolling off of her so she spoke up again, “It’s alright, don’t be afraid! We’ve met before, remember? About four years ago, you saved me from an Upper Moon. I owe you my life, so I would never dare to take yours, I promise. Can we go back to the surface to talk, please?”

(Y/n) bit the inside of her cheek and looked over her shoulder again. Yes, that was definitely the demon slayer she had saved. What a terrifying ordeal that had been. To this day she couldn’t believe she had gotten them away Upper Two and lived to tell the tale. He was much faster and stronger than her, all it would have taken was him noticing her hand shoot up from the ground and he would have cut it right off, probably cutting off the slayer’s foot in the process. Fortunately, that hadn’t happened.

“Hello? You can hear me, right?”

“Um, yeah, just hang on a minute.” (Y/n) angled back up and breeched the surface, making sure all of Nezuko and Kanae had followed completely before letting go of Nezuko.

(Y/n) wished she could feel as calm as Nezuko looked. She tried to swallow, but found her throat dry. She could sense how much stronger this demon slayer had become since she last saw her. She was strong back then, make no mistake, but another four years of experience made a lot of difference. (Y/n) hadn’t expected to meet the slayer again, but now here she was, and staring at her so intently too. Why wasn’t she saying anything? Had her words been a ploy to get her back to the surface for an easy attack?

“Ah!”

(Y/n) suddenly found herself wrapped up in the demon slayer’s arms, a happy giggle vibrated against her ear and sent goosebumps all over her body.

“I’m so glad to see you! All I’ve wanted to do for the last four years was thank you for saving me. So, well, thank you!”

“Eep!”

“Oh!”

Kanae staggered on her feet a bit when (Y/n) suddenly disappeared from her hug. She looked down to find her almost completely underground. Only the bridge of her nose to the top of her head was visible and Kanae thought it was the cutest thing she had ever seen, maybe even cuter than Nezuko. She crouched down with her arms spread out,

“Aww, come back. I wasn’t done hugging you. You haven’t even told me your name yet. I’m Kanae!”

The demon rose from the dirt just enough to have her mouth emerge, “(Y/n).”

“So cute!” Kanae gushed, cupping the demon’s face in her hands.

That only made (Y/n) fluster more, but she refrained from sinking all the way into the ground. She couldn’t leave Nezuko alone after all. Not that she seemed to be in any danger with this particular demon slayer.

The light-hearted moment was soon interrupted by a flabbergasted Shinobu tromping upon the scene. The hours afterwards were tense, but Kanae convinced (Y/n) to stay for the trail. She had big plans for (Y/n) and Nezuko it would seem, much to Shinobu’s displeasure. However, Kanae had made sure to tell (Y/n) many times that her own safety should come first. If the trial did not go in their favor, Kanae instructed (Y/n) to escape with Nezuko. Luckily, it never came to that, but it did get very tense at times.

After much debate among the Hashira, Oyakata-sama allowed Kanae to take the demons into her care. It took a lot of time for Shinobu to come around, especially since Kanae had trusted the demons enough to stake her life on their self-control. Even months later, she still came off rather cold, but seeing Kanae so happy made it harder for her to stay upset as time went on without incident. Especially when Nezuko and (Y/n) were genuinely good and did no harm.

Kanae was very pleased with herself. Not only had she befriended one demon, but two! Of course, Nezuko was often off on missions with her brother, so Kanae mostly spent her time with (Y/n), which was great!

Bit by bit, Kanae got (Y/n) to open up more and learned all about her life before and after becoming a demon and the more she learned, the more she could feel herself falling for her and being as intuitive as she was, she expected (Y/n) might feel the same.

(Y/n) never sank through the floor anymore when Kanae gave her hugs, even going as far to melt into Kanae and return the embrace. When Kanae was busy, she’d often feel an extra pair of eyes on her while she worked. (Y/n) couldn’t always slip through the floor fast enough before Kanae would look her way. Sometimes when Kanae woke up in the morning, she’d find a bundle of night blooming flowers in front of her bedroom door.

It happened regularly enough that she noticed a pattern. A new bouquet would appear once the old one began to wither. So on the night that it looked like the flowers were ready to be replaced, Kanae set out with her own small bouquet of flowers that bloomed during the day.

She walked down the moonlit path to where she new the night flowers bloomed and her eyes nearly sparkled when she found (Y/n) already there carefully picking a bouquet from the bushes. With a warm smile, she hid her own bouquet behind her back and continued her approach.

“Good evening, (Y/n).”

“Ah!”

(Y/n) jumped away from the bush, quickly hiding her hands behind her own back.

“Kanae, good evening! You’re up late… mission?” She asked.

“Nope! I was just looking for you. What are you up to by the way?” Her tone sounded innocent enough, but the slight sharpening of her smile proved that her question carried mischievous intent.

“Oh, me? Nothing much. Just… taking a walk.” (Y/n) shrugged and cleared their throat, Kanae giggled.

“What’s behind your back?”

“Nothing’s behind my back.” (Y/n) answered a bit too quickly to come off as anything else but defensive. “What’s behind your back?”

“Oh,” Kanae brought the flowers into view, “I just thought I would return the favor of the sweet person who has been leaving flowers at more door. The only place those flowers grow in the area is right here. You haven’t seen anyone else around here tonight, have you?”

“No.” (Y/n) looked elsewhere and licked her lips nervously. “No, I didn’t see anyone.”

“You still didn’t share what’s behind your back, (Y/n). It’s only fair, don’t you think?”

When had Kanae gotten so close? She tried to peer behind (Y/n) to get a look for herself, but (Y/n) stepped back a bit, and a bit more and a bit more until Kanae had backed her up against a nearby tree.

“Won’t you show me, please?” Kanae pouted. (Y/n) stubbornly shook her head. “You know what I think, (Y/n)?”

“What?”

“I think, you really do want me to know, but you’re feeling too shy, otherwise you would have sunk to the mantle by now.” Her soft voice only served to make (Y/n) feel more flustered, but she still stood on solid ground which Kanae took as a good sign.

Gently, Kanae reached around and tugged on (Y/n)’s wrist, encouraging her to bring her hands forward. With a shaky inhale, the demon complied, slowly revealing the bouquet of flowers she had picked and handed them out for Kanae to take if she so desired.

She really shouldn’t have been so surprised when Kanae not only took the flowers, but put her own colorful bouquet in (Y/n)’s hand to replace the one she had given away, along with a gentle kiss on the cheek and a quiet, ‘thank you’ whispered against her ear.

It took her a moment to reboot, but Kanae smiled patiently.

“You’rewelcome,” she spoke hurriedly, then looked down at the flowers in her hands and added, “andthankyoutoo.”

Kanae laughed, initiating another hug while swaying so much they could have been dancing together. When they returned to the mansion, it was hand in hand, with a bouquet on either side and a pair of elated, well-kissed smiles.

#demon slayer oneshots #kny oneshots #demon slayer x reader #kny x reader #kanae kocho x reader #kanae kochou x reader #requests #anonymous

[kurooandkenmasslut]

KANAE KOCHO X F!READER! (For @liquoricekisses )

Summary: Kanae was away for a week-long mission and you thought she had died since she hasn't responded to your letters, leading you to curl up in a ball, only for your cold body to be warmed up by the warmth of someone's arms. Flufff !!

Warnings: a bit of mention of death but mostly fluff :)

"ah... As much as I want to stay, I unfortunately have to go my dear. Please take care of Shinobu and Kanao for me while I'm away, I love you." Kanae said softly and kissed your forehead. You fiddled with the promise ring Kanae gave you. You didn't want her to leave, you didn't. But you knew it was her job to have her life on the line every day, she could come across an uppermoon for gods sake. Thinking that did not ease your worry.

You weren't a demon slayer, you were a fashion designer and you were quite popular in every village. You had your shop, which you were very grateful for. Kanae always complimented your clothes, the way you styled them, and the colours that you combined with another. It made you a bit upset knowing you won't hear her soft, gentle voice in a while. You shook your head, it's best not to get panicked while thinking about her, especially since you were acting as if she died.

You sighed and got changed into your work outfit, ate, locked your house door and walked down the path leading down to your shop in the village.

| hours later |

You yawned and stretched, you were tired, to say the least, and wiped the sweat on your forward and jaw. It seemed that today was the most busiest day. Customer after customer. Kanae always told you not to overwork yourself because you accidentally fell asleep after working a lot of hours in the shop, you were grateful she checked in on you or else you would have the worst morning ever.

Days like that passed and you were getting very, very, overwhelmed by Kanae not being here. Of course, Kanae was away for longer, but shed always respond to your letters or give you a heads up if she won't be responding to them for whatever reason, so it was quite unusual for her not to.

The beads of sweat were rolling down your forehead, out of exhaustion, panic, and the headache that formed in your head.

You sighed and called it a day, walking over to your shop door and flipping the sign, reading "closed." Opening the door and locking it, and dragging your feet to your home.

You opened your front door, stretching and yawning. You were hungry- no ravenous to say the least, but honestly, you were too tired to. You flopped onto the bed, then lying on your side, groaning at the soft blankets. You closed your eyes, fully expecting to fall asleep at that moment but no, your thoughts seemed to be clouded with thoughts of Kanae. You missed her dearly, and your body craved her warm arms around your body, you got so emotional that a few tears slipped from your eyes, running down your face.

You calmed yourself down a bit, moving your hand to your face to wipe your tears from your eyes, but it seemed as if someone got there first.

You fluttered open your eyes. Your face felt as if someone was hugging you? But it felt... Familiar.. Almost welcoming?

The mysterious person let go of you and being the curious person you are, you looked up at the persons face. You mouth opened slightly, your eyes froze.

The person was... Kanae?!

"K-Kanae?! W-What are you doing here? I thought you had a miss-" "Sh, my dear~ relax! I'm home again!~ You wanna cuddle? I wanna cuddle." Kanae smiled, snuggling up to you. You only giggled, snuggling up to her as well.

Eventually, you two fell asleep, dreaming about each other! <3

#kanae kocho #kocho shinobu #kochou shinobu #shinobu kocho #demon slayer kocho #shinobu kochou #kocho #kny au #kny fanart #kny akaza #kny douma #kny fluff #kny fanfic #kny genya #kny #demon slayer #demon slayer kimetsu no yaiba #kimetsu no yaiba #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #kimetsu fanart #kimetsu giyuu #kimetsu muichiro #kimetsu no yaiba fanart #kimetsu no yaiba imagines

[serodev]

hi!! i’m mars! i’d like to be matched up with a KNY character

about me:

- i am bisexual

- some of my hobbies are drawing, cooking, and listening to music / movies

- some dislikes of mine are people who don’t clean up after themselves, inconsiderate people, and unnecessary arguments

- I don’t mind being matched with a human or demon

- some extra stuff about me is that i enjoy cooking for people I care about, and helping them with any problems they have

thank you!!!

Note(s): Oof, I totally get you when it comes to your dislikes because I don't like messy people either. I hope you don't mind being matched up with only a human!

I match you up with…

Kanae Kocho!

» The main reason I matched you up with this (rather underrated) woman was thanks to your likes and dislikes! I see Kanae as a clean person, and she's definitely a person who doesn't start arguments or anything like that!

» I'm going to assume that your love language is giving service (cooking, etc.), and Kanae's just like that as well! She's not going to step between you and the kitchen, but she'd love to help you when you make food for you two.

» Kanae's a really simple woman, so it's easy to keep her satisfied. There aren't going to be arguments, that's for sure, and she loves how simplistic you are!

#kanae kocho #kanae kochou #kny kanae #kanae x you #kanae x reader #kanae x y/n #kny x you #kny x y/n #kny x oc #kny x reader #kny #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #sero writes #minor character #kny matchup

[princesschimchim1325]

Hear my random shower thoughts out:

Dan Feng x Dragoness!Reader x Yingxing

Like, in my head, they are THE power throuple, absolutely unstoppable. They are all down horrendous for each other, no one feels left out.

Maybe reader is a dragon from another planet/universe that somehow found their way to Xianzhou, and lived there bc they couldnt find their way back. Maybe they are a healer like Dan Feng. Think of Meleanor Draconia from Twisted Wonderland with Kanae Kochou's personality and habit of picking up random children from the streets and taking them under her wing from Demon Slayer, that is reader.

Imagine the hilarity, Yingxing rizzed up not one, but TWO powerful and hot dragons lmao.

Imagine the sexy times too, Yingxing just being used by two sexy dragons 😩 or reader being dicked down by the hottest blacksmith and the sexiest high elder ever.

But on another note, the angst tho. I have multiple possible ways on how reader died:

1.) Reader died in battle while protecting the children they took in/adopted.

2.) Reader (somehow) becomes Mara stricken and Dan Feng is forced to kill her, which explains Blade's thirst for vengeance. Bro might not remember his own name but he can vividly remember Dan Feng using the weapon HE forged to kill their wife.

3.) A combination of both 1 and 2.

And the aftermath will be :

Same as canon HCQ lore, Dan Feng and Yingxing fucked things up and Yingxing becomes Blade and Dan Feng is imprisoned. And many years (centuries) later Dan Heng is exiled and becomes part of the express. Blade is out for Dan H(F)eng's blood.

And as luck would find them, a person who is also part of the express just so happens to resemble their deceased wife....

Oops, this got longer than I thought.

Let me know your thoughts and opinions. Maybe I'll write this...

#Honkai Star Rail #honkai star rail x female reader #yingxing #dan feng #yingxing x reader #dan feng x reader #blade x reader #dan heng x reader #imbibitor lunae x reader

[chiffiorra]

╰┈➤ You're Not Her

➜ Synopsis: He loved Kanae so much, but eventually he had to move on. It was easier said than done... until something happens to you too.

➜ Pairings: Sanemi Shinazugawa × fem!reader, past Sanemi Shinazugawa × Kanae Kochou

➜ This Fic Contains the Following: Angst with a happy ending, established relationship, previous relationship, canonical character death, reader is also a Hashira, injured reader, possible ooc Sanemi (as fun as he is to write for, he's not easy to portray correctly lol)

➜ WC: 1,261

➜ Request: "So like I was thinking about Sanemi x Fem! Reader ( I know I request too much for Sanemi ), so basically Sanemi use to like Kanae in the manga before she went goodbye, after that Sanemi got together with the reader, then one day they got into an argument and Sanemi took it too far by comparing her to Kanae, then Sanemi regretted what he said but before he could apologize the reader and ran off, they didn't talk to each other for a few days but then like one day the reader got seriously injured in a mission and Sanemi became extremely worried" - @sanemisfav

➜ Note: i loved writing this omg! i have love for sanemi and kanae together, and it's always fun to write for him! listening to "azúcar amargo" by fey hit different while writing this, it just fit somehow haha. also happy birthday to this beautiful man ♡

➜ Taglist: @sanemisfav @the-fishing-basket

Sanemi Shinazugawa was rarely the type to fall in love. If anything, he thought it wasn't what he needed with killing demons for a living and figuring that he didn't need to with such a career like that. Anytime someone would even bring it up, he would either ignore or shrug it off.

Love? That small word hasn't been in his vocabulary for so long. Not since what happened to his family so long ago.

That was until he met her.

Kanae Kochou was the only one for him, he would go as far to call her his first love. Compared to him, she was a ray of sunshine. His ray of sunshine to his cloudy demeanor, his other half, his everything.

Even when he wanted to hide his bad mood, he could never get past her. She could easily read him like an open book that no other could.

When she passed away, he was beyond hurt. With his grief of losing another loved one, that only strengthened his resolve; kill every single demon he came across with no mercy. No matter what.

His heart had grown colder as the years went by, closed off to potentially feeling any sort of love again to another person. There was an emptiness inside of him that Sanemi always thought would stay with him for as long as he lived. But that was when you showed up, newly promoted to a Hashira, and didn't know him or the others.

For some reason unknown to him, you captivated him when Ubuyashiki introduced you, albeit not at first sight. When he locked eyes with you, he didn't think much of you at first, not until he got to know you later on. This curiosity later grew to attraction towards you, and much to his surprise, you were the one to confess your love to him after almost a year of knowing each other.

As the love between you two blossomed like the beautiful flowers in spring, there were also some minor issues that would arise to a much bigger problem that would soon explode.

The main problem was that: Sanemi was overprotective. You didn't mind it in the beginning, but then it started to feel smothering. You loved him but you needed to let him know that you could protect yourself, that you were a Hashira for a reason. But this conversation wasn't going to be easy, as you feared. It seemed like Sanemi wasn't ready for this type of conversation more than you weren't, sadly.

"Can you just take into consideration how I'm feeling? I can defend myself very well, I was promoted for a reason! I don't need you watching over me constantly." You started sternly, not raising your voice too much.

"Shut up dammit, I'm trying to make sure you're safe from demons!" He snarled back.

"I don't need to be saved!" You exclaimed sternly. Nothing could've prepared you for what could've happened next.

"I know she would've understood me unlike you!" He snapped in return.

You felt your heart drop almost immediately, "Who?" You asked, voice dropping to almost a whisper.

"Kanae! Unlike you she rarely argued and was better at understanding! She was more fucking patient as well and never yelled back!" He answered, now resorting to yelling at you.

That was all the confirmation you needed before you stormed off. You knew about his previous relationship with the former Flower Hashira, in fact you met her once before when you were a low ranking slayer. She was nothing but kind to you and it was sad to hear that she was killed. But it especially hurt hearing from your boyfriend that you were nothing like her, that you could never be her. You were almost cautious to be in a relationship with him when he lost someone he loved, but it was now clear in your eyes that he never moved on from her.

As the distance between you and him started to grow larger, Sanemi realized his mistake as he called out to you. But yet you ignored him, tears falling down your cheeks. You refused to turn back at him to let him see your tears. No, you refused to let him see you cry, that he was the reason for your tears.

And so you avoided him and refused to speak with him. Three days… it took three long days for him to go crazy without you. While he never gave up, determined to make things right, Sanemi was not prepared to receive news from Shinobu, especially not the news that he had hoped that he would never ever get: you were currently recovering at the Butterfly Mansion from your injuries. To put it short, you had come across a powerful demon and even after defeating it, the aftermath had left you in horrible condition.

Sanemi could feel his heart as he rushed to the mansion, how could he have been a fool? If he lost you, what would he do? If you were gone, he would've never had the chance to apologize to you. He would've never been able to tell you that he loved you so much that words were never enough to express it, that he was truly apologetic over how he treated you the last time you talked.

If you were gone, he never would've never forgiven himself.

He came across Shinobu as she led him to the room where you were recovering. As the both of them watched your sleeping form, Shinobu turned her head at him with a slight frown on her face.

"I think I'm getting a small idea of what happened while I took care of her injuries, she kept whispering that she 'wasn't Kanae' over and over again," Shinobu stated, now fully frowning.

Sanemi could say nothing as he kept staring down at you, watching your chest rise and sink with every breath you took. Shinobu could only sigh in return.

"It hurts, I know it all too well. I know what you're going through with mourning with Kanae, I still struggle to move on without her… but do you think this is what she truly wanted?" She asked, turning back to look at you.

"She would've wanted you to be happy," she finished. "You need to fix this."

And with that she left you two alone. Sanemi was still silent as he mulled over her words as he did his best to hold his tears back, and she was right. This is not what Kanae would've wanted, he could picture her frown still even though her frowning was a rare sight to see.

Even her sister was telling him to move forward and make things right. He decided he was going to do just that, after all, who knows when there'll ever be a next time?

As you slowly woke up and were greeting by your now saddened lover, who let a single tear run down his face as he leaned down to hug you gently.

"Sanemi?" You whispered, your voice not coming back just yet.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I should've never done that," he kept repeating as he held you close to his heart.

You only weakly hugged him back as you reassured him that you were going to be alright and that he was forgiven. Everything was not going to be back to normal immediately but you were willing to work for it and so was he. As long as you had each other and loved one another for who they are.

#candy uploads 🍭 #demon slayer #demon slayer x reader #sanemi shinazugawa #sanemi shinazugawa x reader

[birinboom]

Heat Haze

Rengoku Kyoujurou x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 16,134

Summary: As a brand new teacher, fresh out of university, you’re excited to finally start working and getting to know your students and colleagues of Kimetsu Academy. One colleague in particular catches your eye: the fiery, passionate history teacher who happens to take the same train as you every morning.

About the Reader: The reader is in her early 20’s, with Kyoujurou being a couple of years older. She teaches Japanese, loves literature, drinks a bit too much coffee, and is lactose intolerant. Kyoujurou eventually refers to her as ‘my sweet’.

Genre: Kimetsu Academy!AU, fluff, pining, light angst, romance, spice

Trigger warnings (all under the cut): Food/eating, very brief mention of past pregnancy (not related to the reader), minor injuries and blood (the reader twists an ankle, she gets exhausted to the point of fainting and suffers a nose bleed, Senjurou sustains an unspecified minor knee injury), alcohol, (drunken) kissing, implied sex. This fic teeters on the edge of NSFW, but I don’t believe that it crosses the line. If I’m wrong then please let me know and I’ll tag it as such.

The administrative director of Kimetsu Academy - Ubuyashiki Kagaya - surveyed you, fingers steepled under his chin, a mild smile on his lips. You forced yourself to sit still and not squirm in the chair. The interview for the position as Japanese teacher was nearly over. Or at least you hoped it was. 

Ubuyashiki's smile widened as he rose from his chair. “Well, I see no need to drag this out any longer.” Extending his hand to you, he added, “Welcome to the academy!” 

You gaped at him for a second before gathering yourself up and grabbing his outstretched hand. Was it really that easy? 

“I know what you must be thinking,” he said as he moved away from his desk, “you had imagined that it would be more difficult to find a position when you have no experience. Personally, I think that new teachers are just wonderful, filled to the brim with ambitions and hope for their future students. And I wish to cultivate that hope.” Turning back to you, he added, “Experience can be gained anywhere, so why not here? The headmistress and I pride ourselves at ensuring that Kimetsu Academy is the perfect first position for new teachers. And we will be lucky to have you join us!” 

You couldn’t do anything but nod as you got to your feet, overcome with the quiet benevolence this man exuded.  

He led you back to the teacher’s lounge.  

“Let’s get you introduced to some of your new colleagues,” he said. Then he turned, addressing the room at large, “Everybody, may I have your attention please?” 

He had barely raised his voice. Yet his soft words made the quiet chatter and scratching of pens stop immediately. 

You stood next to him, trying your best not to look like an overwhelmed child as he introduced you to the few people in the room. Forcing your back straight, you kept repeating to yourself that you weren’t a student in trouble. Even if you’d only recently graduated university and gotten your teaching certificate, you were still an adult - just like them. 

A woman with two butterfly clips in her black hair came up to greet you. She introduced herself as Kochou Kanae, the biology teacher. 

“If you’re not busy, Kanae, would you be kind enough to show our newest teacher around?” Ubuyashiki asked. 

She smiled, purple eyes twinkling. “Certainly, Sir. I’m sure we’ll get along famously.” 

“We’ll start with the laboratories,” Kochou said, leading you away from the teachers’ lounge. Sending you an impish smile, she added, “That’s my domain, where I rule as an evil queen, torturing my students with boring lectures on allelomorphs and phenotypic traits. At least that’s what some of them claim I do.” 

When you gave her a blank look, she laughed. 

“My, my, I suppose my students are right in their assessment of me, then. The evil biology queen on her throne of boring textbooks.” 

A fond smile spread over your face. “I guess my students are going to say the same things about me. I remember most of my peers in school found Japanese literature boring. I never fully understood them.” 

“I thought the same when my classmates complained about our biology lessons!” Kochou said. “I always thought they were so fascinating. And that’s why we become teachers, you and I - we want to pass on our passion about our subjects!” 

You were really starting to like Kochou. Her easy-going personality felt like a breath of fresh air. 

As she turned to open the door to the biology lab, a ray of March sunlight caught one of her green and pink butterfly clips, making it sparkle.   

“I love your hair clips, Kochou-sensei,” you said. “Where did you get them?” 

Kochou turned to you again, seemingly puzzled for a moment, before she smiled. “Please don’t call me ‘sensei’, we’re about to be colleagues. ‘Kochou-san’ will do just fine. And these…” She reached up to touch the clips. “I make them myself. I’ve given some out to the members of the flower arranging club, too, since I’m their advisor; it’s like a little inside joke for us. The oldest of my younger sisters has one as well, though she’s not a member of the club.” 

“Oh, that’s so sweet! So your sister is a student here? What year is she in?” 

Kochou smiled again. “Shinobu will start her final year of high school next year. She’ll have to give up her position as president of the pharmaceuticals research club soon so she can prepare for her university entrance exams. And my youngest sister, Kanao, is here, too! She’ll start her second year of high school.” Letting out a sigh, she added, “They grow up so fast… ” 

The two of you chatted while she showed you around, introducing you to any staff members you came across. You paused briefly outside a classroom, the booming voice of the teacher piquing your curiosity. 

“That’s Rengoku, the history teacher,” Kochou said as the two of you peered in through the glass pane in the door. 

“Is he always this loud?” you asked, casting one last glance into the classroom before you moved on, wondering if he ever disturbed the classes next door. 

“Not always, but…” Kochou hid a giggle behind her hand. “He’s very enthusiastic; he often gets completely caught up in his lessons. If you ever have trouble being heard properly in class, you should ask him for some pointers. Just be warned, though…” She leveled you with a more serious gaze. “He will make you practice in front of him.” 

“Sounds like you’ve been through that already.” 

She giggled again. “I have! We started teaching the same year, and I had some trouble making my voice carry enough. Rengoku put me through the wringer; I could barely speak afterwards.” 

As the two of you were descending the stairs of the high school building, heading back to the teachers’ lounge, you spotted the history teacher again. He was a couple of steps in front of you, pushing open the doors to exit the building.

“Rengoku-san,” Kochou called as she hurried towards him, “Do you have a moment?”

He turned, holding the door open. “Kochou, good morning! How are you on this fine day? And who is this?” 

Joining him in the small courtyard between the buildings, Kochou introduced you to him. The smile he sent you made your knees feel just the tiniest bit weak.  

“Our new Japanese teacher, huh?” he said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you! Let me know if you ever want to coordinate our lesson plans.” Turning back to Kochou, he asked, “Are you two heading to the teachers’ lounge?” 

When Kochou confirmed, Rengoku beamed, first at her, then at you.  

“Me too! I forgot the print-outs I made for my class this morning!” He let out a resounding laugh, the echo of it reverberating between the buildings.  

“Rengoku-san!” Kochou scolded. “Not so loud, you’ll disturb the other classes!” 

Saying your goodbyes to the teachers, you let them know how much you were looking forward to working alongside them come April. You didn’t notice how Rengoku deliberately lingered in the teachers’ lounge, delaying his return to his class.

Fastening the last button of your dress shirt, you scrutinized your reflection. You wanted to look your best on your first day of work. Nervousness coursed through your body, making you brush invisible motes of dust off your clothes. Was this normal? It seemed worse than you’d ever felt on the first day of new classes at school, or even when you’d started your part-time jobs. Surely, standing in front of a group of teenagers, having their undivided attention on you as you tried to imprint knowledge on them shouldn’t be so terrifying… right?  

You let out a shaky breath. Being a teacher was something you’d dreamt of since your own school days. You wanted to impart your passion for literature to your students and guide them as they grew into proper adults… And you were going to excel at it, nerves be damned! 

In an attempt to ground yourself, you thought back to the few teachers you remembered meeting at the academy, trying your best to recall what had made them stand out and what you could learn from them. 

You remembered Kochou clearly, her sweet expression and pretty butterfly hair clips cemented in your mind. She seemed so amiable - when she showed you around the academy, every student and staff member you’d passed had greeted her with a smile. You would like to be just as well liked some day. 

There was Shinazugawa, the loud and hot-tempered math teacher who made you thankful that the teachers you’d had in school had been much more agreeable. His temper was definitely something you didn’t want to imitate; you would prefer your students to be comfortable with you. But expecting them to do their very best would be a good thing to incorporate into your own teaching methods. 

The art teacher, Uzui, had seemed somewhat out of place with his flashy makeup and choice of clothes. Though you were relieved that the dress code for the teachers wasn’t terribly formal. Maybe you could dress a little more casually, too, once you got settled. 

And Himejima, the exceptionally tall and muscular civics teacher, who you had - quite literally - run into when you turned a corner. You’d been terrified of how he’d react at first, but he had turned out to be more worried about whether you’d gotten hurt than the stack of papers you’d caused him to drop. That kindness and concern for others was definitely something you’d like to display, too. 

The last one you remembered clearly was the chemistry teacher, Iguro, the lower half of his face covered by a mask. Kochou had told you that Iguro was prone to allergies so he always wore a mask to try to prevent himself from getting too sick. He had made you realize that you ought to take more care of your own health, too. You wanted to be strong and thriving so you could be present for your students when they needed you. 

The rest of the teachers were a bit of a blur. You remembered seeing the sleepy-eyed physical education teacher, Tomioka, as you and Kochou passed by the gymnasium, his hair dark and unruly. But that was all you remembered about him. 

Another loud voice - much more cheerful and enthusiastic than that of Shinazugawa - dug its way up from the depth of your memories. You couldn’t put a face to it. Shrugging, you grabbed your bag. You’d meet this teacher again soon enough, and once you got to know him better you could try to incorporate his enthusiasm into your own lessons.

The train car was jam-packed. Not that you’d expected anything else; it had always been equally as packed when you'd gone to your early morning classes or work shifts. The train pulled into a station and the crowd shifted around to let people off. Letting your eyes glide over the mass as it moved, your gaze landed on someone familiar. You could swear that you’d seen that mane of blonde and red hair and those dark, bushy eyebrows before.  

The man held a book in front of his face, preventing you from taking a closer look at his features. Still, there was something very familiar about him. Then it hit you: the history teacher from the academy, the one with the vibrant voice. You remembered being able to hear every word he spoke to his class clearly, even through the closed door. It had to be him. There was no way that anybody would have that same odd combination of hair and eyebrows. 

Heat threatened to creep into your cheeks when you thought back on the sunny smile he’d sent you. Odd that you’d managed to forget him at all. You couldn’t help but wonder if he smiled at everybody like that… or if it had been a special smile for you. Closing your eyes for a moment, you mentally shook your head. Of course it wasn’t special, he didn’t even know you yet. 

Opening your eyes again, you watched intently as he lowered his book for a moment to turn the page. It only made you more certain that it really was him. You couldn’t help but feel a sense of giddiness that one of your new colleagues took the same train as you. Now you would have someone to talk to on your commute! Hopefully, he’d feel just as happy about some company; he had seemed like the type to enjoy having someone to talk to. 

When he raised the book again, you turned your focus to the cover. A young girl held onto an armful of sunflowers as she beamed at anybody who would pay her any attention. You were too far away to read the title next to her, but it looked like a standard comedy manga. 

Lowering the book again, he flicked another page. You kept looking at him, trying to recall his name. Then, as if he could feel your gaze, he raised his head, locking eyes with you. You looked at each other for a long moment, neither of you moving. The heat you’d been fighting to keep down crept into your cheeks, much to your chagrin. You’d been caught staring. Finally, his name popped into your mind. Rengoku, purgatory, a prison made of fire hot enough to use for smelting. It somehow seemed appropriate with how intense his gaze was. The air almost seemed like it shimmered around him from the fire in his eyes. 

Then a brilliant smile grew on his face, like the sun coming out behind the clouds. You saw him draw in a breath, as if he was planning on addressing you across the sea of people, but a tall  man moved in between you, blocking the view. Letting out a breath you hadn’t known you were holding back, you sagged with the relief of being let go from his gaze. You couldn’t believe you’d been caught like that. Now, at least, you would have a moment to think of a good excuse for why you were staring so unabashedly at him.  

However, if you had been able to see how Rengoku rose to his toes, stretching and craning his neck in an attempt to catch your eyes again, you’d have realized that your embarrassment was completely unfounded.

He waited for you on the platform, letting the crowd push past him. His gaze on you felt like a spotlight. Your cheeks grew hot again as you tried to remember how to walk casually. One foot in front of the other. Were your arms too stiff? Or were they swinging too much? You couldn’t tell anymore. 

Hearing your name called out in that loud voice almost made you jump. You swallowed hard when you saw that same sunny smile - just like the one which had made your knees weak that day - gracing his features once more. How did words work again? Were they supposed to be in any specific order, or could you just let out whatever gibberish your muddled brain was forming? 

Finally, after what felt like hours of moving in slow motion, you reached him. He fell into step next to you as you started down the stairs to the street. 

“Fancy meeting you here!” he said. “If I had known that you’d take the same train as me, I would’ve kept my eyes peeled!” 

His voice was softer than you remembered it from last time, but just as vibrant. The laugh he let out tugged at the corners of your lips, your nerves slowly vanishing like mist in the sunlight. 

“I’m so happy to see a friendly face,” you admitted. “It’ll make the commute so much more pleasant. If you wouldn’t mind spending it with me, that is.” 

He beamed at you again. “It would be my pleasure!!” 

“I’m sorry for staring at you like that, I just--” 

He interrupted you before you could finish your apology. 

“Nonsense, you have nothing to apologize for! Kochou told me that you’re a fan of literature so of course you’d be interested in my book!” 

Book … You’d almost managed to forget the manga he’d been reading from the sheer embarrassment. But you grabbed at the straw he offered you. 

“Yes! It looked very…” You fought to find a word that would describe your assumption of the story. “Light-hearted,” you finally said. Was that really the best you could come up with?  

Rengoku didn’t seem to mind your current lack of conversational skills. “It is!” he said, grinning. “Very endearing, too!” 

You learned a lot about Rengoku on the walk to the academy. Like how he lived a bit further out in the suburbs than you, meaning that he got on the train a few stops before you did. And how his mother taught calligraphy at a community center, and his father ran a kendo dojo adjacent to their home. 

“Seems like your whole family are teachers of some kind,” you said. 

“We are! Well, with the exception of my younger brother. He starts at the academy today! Our parents are driving him to school this morning, but he’ll be taking the train from now on. He’s been talking my ear off about how excited he is, both to commute with me and to have me as a teacher!!” 

You couldn’t help but wonder if the younger Rengoku would be just as vibrant as his older brother. The thought of a middle schooler laughing like Rengoku did made you hide a smile behind your hand. 

“Is he expected to become a teacher too?” you asked, trying to get the silly image out of your head. 

Rengoku shook his head vehemently. “Senjurou needs to find his own calling! If that ends up being teaching, then that’s great! But it’ll be just as great if he sticks with what he currently wants.” 

“And what is that?” 

“A librarian. Senjurou loves to read! He’s been talking about joining the literature club at the academy.” Pausing, Rengoku got a thoughtful look on his face. “Though the advisor of the literature club just retired. They’ll have to find someone new.” 

“Maybe I ought to take over as the advisor,” you thought out loud. 

Rengoku gave you another one of his brilliant smiles. “That would be perfect! I’m certain the students would greatly appreciate it!”

When you first saw Senjurou - on your way home that same afternoon - all you could do was stare at him for a moment. His hair was shorter, and his eyebrows slanted down at the outer corners of his eyes, giving him a more open and innocent look. But beyond that, he was the spitting image of his older brother. You hadn’t imagined that it could be possible. 

Senjurou just blinked back at you, while Rengoku chuckled at your reaction.  

“Isn’t it amazing how much we look alike? I’m certain Kochou would disagree with me, but I believe it’s due to the kankagari ritual performed in my family!” 

You looked at him in puzzlement. “Kankagari? I’m not familiar with that ritual.” 

“When our mother was pregnant with each of us she would meditate in front of a burning torch.” Tugging on a lock of his flame-colored hair, Rengoku continued, “That’s why our hair and eyes turn out like this! Our father and paternal grandfather both look the same as we do! And their mothers also performed the same ritual!!” 

You let out a laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure Kochou would disagree with you on that reasoning.”

Senjurou only joined your morning commute for a couple of weeks. One day, you found Rengoku alone. 

“Where’s your brother?” you asked. “Is he sick today?”

 Rengoku shook his head, a sad smile spreading over his face. “No, he took an earlier train so he could spend the time with his new friends. He’s growing up to be so independent!” Looking away, he mumbled, “I guess he’s getting to that age where he won’t need me anymore.”

Commuting with Rengoku quickly became a habit - one you enjoyed every second of. Well, nearly every second… 

One morning, a businessman managed to elbow you squarely in the back, shoving you into another passenger. The man barely apologized before he hurried off the train, blind to the tears of pain brimming in your eyes. Rengoku reached an arm out to keep you steady, all the while glaring daggers at the man. The air around him once again seemed to shimmer like a heat haze from the intensity in his eyes. 

The next morning you found Rengoku leaning against the railing next to the doors. As soon as he saw you, that beaming smile - which always brightened your day - spread across his face and he moved away from the railing, offering the spot to you, and taking the spot directly next to you. 

“That way, if anybody gets hurt it’ll be me!” he grinned. “And I usually get a proper apology out of people!”

Rengoku always had something interesting to tell you during your commute, whether he talked about some article he’d read, or something funny that had happened at his home, or an anecdote about one of his favorite historical characters. And the enthusiasm he always displayed stayed with you, even when he wasn’t present. Slowly but surely, you started falling for him. Which meant that the first time you had to commute without Rengoku’s company, only a month after your shared commute had begun, the packed train car felt surprisingly lonely and almost… empty. You had gotten so used to his vibrant voice, so used to his fiery gaze resting on you, that everything felt colorless and dull without him.  

He’d told you the day before that he needed to go in early that morning, but he hadn’t told you why. Just winked at you and said that it would be a surprise. You couldn’t even begin to imagine what kind of surprise it might be.

He wasn’t in the teachers’ lounge when you arrived. But on your desk sat a cup from the local café, along with a handwritten note from Rengoku. 

Congratulations on your first month of work! I know you use creamer in your coffee, so I got you a latte. 

His handwriting was surprisingly neat. You weren’t sure why it surprised you, what with his mother being a calligraphy teacher. Casting one last glance at the note, a smile playing on your lips, you carefully slipped it into your bag. It’d be a nice thing to look at the next time you doubted yourself. 

You turned your attention to the cup, your smile slowly disappearing. It was such a sweet gesture, something that made your heart beat a bit faster… but you couldn’t drink it. You couldn’t really blame him for not having noticed that the creamer you always used was dairy-free. Drinking this would seriously mess up your stomach. 

Kochou slipped into the seat next to you, sipping on her own coffee. The cup was from the same café as yours. Odd… Then again, a lot of the teachers got their coffee there regularly. 

She motioned to the coffee on your desk. “Oh, perfect, you got one as well. I was somewhat worried that Rengoku would forget you.” 

Her words just puzzled you even more. 

“What do you mean, ��forget me’?” 

Kochou sent you one of her soft smiles. “Rengoku insists on buying all of us coffee at the end of every month. He says that it boosts morale and camaraderie. I’m not quite sure about the last part… But I was worried that he’d forget about you since you’re new. He can be rather absentminded at times.” 

“Oh.” You looked down at your hands, feeling your heart sink. It hadn’t been a surprise just for you. It wasn’t really a surprise when it came to the other teachers, you supposed. Still, it had felt nice to think that he’d done something just for you. 

Kochou peered at you. “Are you alright? You seem sad all of a sudden.” 

“It’s just…” You looked up again, forcing a smile. “I feel so bad. I can’t drink the coffee he got me. It has regular milk in it and I’m lactose intolerant…” 

“Lactose intolerant?!” 

The outburst came from behind you. When you turned, you saw Rengoku, his eyes blown wide with shock. 

You sent him a pained smile. “Yeah. Sorry, but I can’t drink it.” 

“Don’t apologize, it’s on me for not asking! Do you want mine instead? I haven’t touched it yet.” 

You shook your head. “No, it’s fine, I couldn’t take your coffee.” 

“I insist!! I couldn’t possibly let you be the only one without a beverage when I’ve bought one for everyone else! Mine has no creamer, but it does have brown sugar, is that alright?” 

You gave up on arguing with him. Your mother had always told you to pick your battles, and Rengoku seemed determined that you’d get some form of beverage. The last thing you wanted was him going back to the café to buy you another coffee. And if you knew Rengoku well enough - and you liked to think that you did at this point - that would be his next offer if you kept declining. 

Well… brown sugar sounded pretty interesting. And if you were very honest with yourself, you liked the idea of drinking the coffee Rengoku had picked for himself. The thought of him willingly sharing something with you - even if he was never going to have his own share - made a little ball of happiness blaze in your stomach.

Switching your coffees, Rengoku sat down on your free side. “I apologize about that! I’ll make sure to ask you what to get next time!”

“You really don’t have to get me anything,” you tried.

“Nonsense! Everybody gets something!”

“Isn’t it too expensive?”

He grinned at you. “I can manage! Still living with my parents means that I can save the majority of my paycheck, so giving my colleagues a treat is my pleasure!”

Taking a sip of your new coffee, you let out a hum of surprise. The brown sugar gave it a slightly burnt, almost caramel-like flavor. 

Rengoku beamed at you. “Tasty, isn’t it?”

You nodded. “I never expected it to be this delicious. Do you always drink it like this?”

“I do! It’s one of my favorite things!!”

You let out a soft, contemplative hum as you took another sip of your coffee. This was a tidbit that you could use to pay him back for all the generosity he had shown you. 

You didn’t set your plan fully into motion until mid June. Getting onto the train, Rengoku offered you his spot against the railing, as he always did. 

You handed him the travel mug in your hands. 

“This is for you,” you said. “I thought I ought to give you something since you’re buying me coffees every month. And since you’re spending all of your morning commutes with me. I meant to give it to you much sooner, but it took me a while to get the recipe working.”

Raising an eyebrow at you, he opened it and sniffed at the contents. “Iced coffee?”

You nodded. “Yeah, with brown sugar and some spices.”

“I really appreciate the thought, but you don’t have to give me anything! You’re an interesting person; I’m quite happy to spend my commutes with you!”

Looking away, you felt heat creeping into your cheeks. You couldn’t quite tell if this was just his normal friendliness or if he was trying to say something more.

“Please,” you said, “It would make me feel better if I give something back.”

Rengoku nodded. “Very well, if it’ll make you feel better!” Then he brought the mug to his lips. His eyes widened.

“Well?” you asked, nerves making your skin tingle. You really wanted him to like it.

A wide grin spread over Rengoku’s face. “It’s SO TASTY!!!”

You were almost blown back by the sheer volume. A couple of people turned their heads to stare at you. Yet you noticed nothing but the relief flooding your body. He liked it!

Taking another sip - and letting out another outburst of ’tasty!’ - Rengoku looked at you again.

“How did you make this? What spices did you use?! Please tell me so I can make it at home!!” 

You had half a mind to refuse; being the only one to supply him with this special coffee wouldn’t be half bad, especially if you got this kind of reaction. But it didn’t seem fair to keep it from him.

“Well, I used a moka pot and whole espresso beans,” you said, omitting that you’d bought the moka pot and coffee grinder specifically for this experiment. “And I added a pinch of cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the grounds before I heated it.”

“It’s that easy, huh?” Rengoku rubbed at his chin. “Well, I’ll have to give it a try some day!”

A little while later you had to fight to stifle a yawn. Rengoku met your eyes, a small, teasing smile playing on his lips.

“Stayed up too late, huh? Did you work that hard on the coffee recipe?”

You shook your head. “It’s not just that. I keep thinking of ways to improve my lessons. It makes it difficult to sleep sometimes.”

“Tell me,” he asked, voice airy, “Have you made a plan in case you and your students have to stay at the academy overnight during a typhoon?” 

You just gaped at him for a moment. “How did you know?!”

He grinned at you. “Because I did just that in my first year of teaching!” Then his smile turned into a more earnest expression as he continued, “But trust me when I say that you’ll never use that plan. It’s best to forget about it now, before it causes you to lose any more sleep!”

His stern expression had your curiosity piqued. 

“You sound like you speak from experience…”

“I do! I had to stay overnight a couple of years ago when a typhoon struck us in the afternoon. I was one of the teachers in charge of looking after the students until their parents picked them up. Some parents couldn’t be reached, so I was asked to drive the last few students home before the winds got any worse. But when we were about to leave a power line blew down, blocking the entrance to the parking lot!” 

You gasped, covering your mouth. “No way, that actually happened?!”

“Indeed it did!! Nobody was hurt, thankfully, but it was too dangerous to leave so we stayed at the academy until morning!” Looking away, Rengoku’s face turned the faintest pink. Scratching at his cheek, he continued, “I had this elaborate plan in place just in case something like that happened. I wanted to do a detailed lesson on the Kamakura period - such a delightful era! But when I saw the frightened faces of the students, I realized that the last thing they needed at that moment was a history lesson! I would have loved to have an in-depth discussion with a student as ardent about history as I am, to take their mind off the storm, but… none of the students present were history buffs. And I had to be mindful of the needs of all of them! The middle school students were terrified!! I needed to ease their worries at that moment and let them have some fun. So we spent the night playing board games and telling stories.” He finally looked back at you. “You ought to learn from my mistake. I felt so incompetent, never having thought about that scenario from my students’ point of view! At times like that, a teacher needs to abandon their lesson plan! If anything, you need to think of a riveting book to read to them!!”

You didn’t know what to do with all this information. What he said made a lot of sense. At the same time, your mind was still reeling at the thought that those kinds of situations actually happened. 

Typhoons were common, sure. But school was usually only completely canceled if the typhoon was predicted to hit the area directly. Most of the time the students were only sent home shortly before a more distant typhoon was expected to hit. Yet, you remembered the typhoon Rengoku spoke of; it had moved faster than the experts had calculated it to. And it had been surprisingly severe.

Logically, you knew that getting trapped at the academy due to a typhoon was possible, but it was one of those things you’d never think would ever happen to you. Yet knowing that Rengoku had experienced it made it seem frightfully possible that you might also experience it one day.

Rengoku seemed to pick up on your uneasiness.

“Did I frighten you?”

“A bit,” you admitted. “It’s one of those things I know happens, but it always happens to other people.”

“My apologies, I meant no harm!”

“No, it’s fine. It just… makes it real.”

The end of the first semester quickly approached. Rengoku happily accepted your homemade iced coffee whenever you offered him some, saying that he just couldn’t get the recipe right at home. He kept spending his commute with you, always vibrant and cheerful, and you only kept falling deeper in love with him.

One morning in August, as the two of you were heading to work just in case the students needed you during their holidays, Rengoku brought up something new: getting together outside of work. 

It wasn’t truly new, if you were honest. You’d gone out with your colleagues to have a drink or two after work, and you had spent an afternoon here and there with Kochou. But Rengoku had never asked you to meet up with him, and only him, outside of work. 

“There’s a summer festival this Saturday,” he said, “down by the river. Would you like to join me?” 

“Yes!” The word was out of your mouth before you could stop it. Looking away, you fought to keep the giddiness off your face. “Yes,” you repeated, more controlled this time, “I’d be happy to.” 

He beamed at you. “Great! Senjurou and some of his friends are coming, too. We’ll have a blast!” 

The giddiness slowly seeped out of you. He hadn’t meant just the two of you - you were supposed to help chaperone his brother and friends. Still, it would be more time spent with him.

You adjusted your kimono again, making sure that the fabric was lying flat. It wasn’t really necessary, you were sure that the woman at the kimono rental shop knew what she was doing when she helped dress you. Holding up your arm, you fiddled with your sleeve, letting the thin fabric slide between your fingers. You had chosen a kimono with a pattern of pink and blue morning glory flowers on a periwinkle background. Hopefully it looked good on you... 

You weren’t left to contemplate your choice of kimono for long. Soon enough, you heard someone call your name. Turning, you saw the Rengoku brothers approach. 

Sucking in a deep breath, you swallowed hard. So far you’d only ever seen Rengoku in his work attire. This time he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, the fabric of the shirt tight around his torso and arms. You knew that his father was a kendo instructor, and you knew that Rengoku sparred with him daily. But seeing the results of that training so casually displayed wasn’t something you’d been prepared for. It only made your crush on him grow. 

Rengoku greeted you once more when he got closer. “Gone the traditional route, I see! You look lovely!! Maybe I should have worn a kimono, too, then we could've matched!” 

And once again, the air seemed to shimmer around him like a heat haze from the intensity in his eyes. You’d honestly thought that you’d gotten used to it by now.

Senjurou quickly ran off, eager to explore the festival with his friends, leaving you and Rengoku alone.  

You drew in a deep breath. Calm down , you told yourself. You had spent time alone with Rengoku nearly every single morning for the past 4 months, this was nothing new. And it shouldn’t matter that he was wearing a shirt which looked like it’d tear if he made one wrong move… right? 

Rengoku turned to you. “I hope you’re hungry! I’m planning on visiting every single food stall tonight!!” 

You nodded, a smile spreading across your face. Yeah, you could handle this.

Rengoku’s reaction to every single treat he ate was a shout of ‘tasty!’ It was the exact same reaction he’d had when you had given him your homemade coffee. It dulled the glee you still felt from that day. Sure, the food was good, but… Did that mean that shouting ‘tasty’ was a common reaction from him? And did that mean that your coffee hadn’t been great, just… normal? Popping a ball of takoyaki into your mouth, you started chewing. You weren’t sure about anything anymore.

Rengoku pulled you back to the present as he reached out, running his thumb over the corner of your lips. 

“You had a bit of sauce on your face!” he said before sticking his thumb into his mouth. 

Reaching up to touch the spot, your cheeks hot, you asked, “And you didn’t use a napkin because…?” 

He let out a chuckle. “Sorry!! I’m too used to doing this with Senjurou! I’ll have to break that habit soon, though, he’s getting to the age where he finds it embarrassing!” Then he added, almost as an afterthought, “And using a napkin means that the tasty sauce goes to waste.” 

Great, you thought. Now he’s treating me like he treats his little brother. 

Getting to his feet, Rengoku reached out again, grabbing your wrist and pulling you up.  

“Come!!” He said, looking back at you with that brilliant smile of his. “There are some games I want to try before the fireworks show!”

An hour later, Senjurou texted Rengoku that he and his friends had found a good spot to watch the fireworks, right on the riverbank. You and Rengoku started towards them, slowly navigating the crowd on the grassy slope.  

A group of teenagers were taking up the whole width of the paved path, laughing loudly as they clowned around. They weren’t your students, and they weren’t too rowdy, so you saw no need to tell them off. You stepped onto the grass, trying to move past them. Everything went fine… until one of the teenagers stepped backwards in an attempt to avoid his friend grabbing for something in his hands. He bumped into you, throwing you off balance. You cursed your decision to wear the traditional sandals with their thick, inflexible soles. So much for trying to look cute. Sidestepping to try to regain your balance on the grass, you managed to put your foot down right on the corner of the sole. It rolled the wrong way. 

A pair of hands grabbed you by the shoulders, trying to keep you upright.  

“Whoa!” Rengoku said. “What happened? Are you alright?!” 

You let out a whimper of pain. “I think I twisted my ankle!” 

“Come, I’ll take a look at it.” 

He wrapped one of your arms around his neck, keeping a tight grip on your wrist, free arm looped around your waist. Almost carrying you over to a bench, Rengoku then knelt before you, gently pulling your foot into his lap. 

You hissed in pain. “Do you know what you’re doing?” 

He sent you a strained smile. “Not really… I’ve taken courses in first aid, but this is beyond my scope of knowledge.” Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he said, “There has to be a medical tent around here.”

Wrapping your arms tighter around Rengoku’s neck, you tried to make yourself as light as possible. The doctor at the medical tent had told you to try to keep your weight off your foot as much as possible until you could get someone better equipped to look at it. Rengoku - whose home was just a brief walk away - had offered to borrow his parents’ car and drive you to the emergency room. And he’d insisted on giving you a piggyback ride to his house. 

A lock of surprisingly soft hair tickled your cheek. You tried to stifle an exasperated groan, acutely aware of his hands supporting your upper thighs. If it hadn’t been for the dull ache in your ankle, you might have been able to enjoy all of it. 

“Are you alright?” he asked. 

“‘M fine,” you replied sullenly. 

It wasn’t fair. He barely sounded winded, even walking uphill with your added weight. Meanwhile you barely dared breathe. Every inhale filled your nose with his scent, warm and musky, with an undertone of clean, sun-dried laundry and cologne. It wasn’t fair that someone could smell so good.  

“I’m sorry,“ you blurted out. “About ruining the festival for you.” 

“Nonsense, you didn’t ruin anything!” 

Tightening the grasp around your own wrist, you fought to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. “Yes I did. I even made you leave before the fireworks.” 

“Did you now?” 

Hesitating for a moment, he then turned around, starting back down the hill. 

“Where are we going?” you asked. 

He chuckled. “I want to show you something!” 

“But the emergency room…” you tried to protest. 

“It can wait for a moment. I promise this’ll make your mood better!” 

He took you down a path shaded by trees. Ahead of you the pathway turned, running parallel to the river. A few people had gathered there, waiting for the fireworks.  

Letting you down, he helped you hobble to the railing separating the path from the steep drop to the river, just as the first rocket shot into the sky. You felt Rengoku shift behind you, then his warm breath fanned over your ear. 

“There,” he mumbled, “Now we haven’t missed anything!”

The doctor ordered you to rest your foot as much as possible for the next couple of weeks. She told you that standing on the train and walking to and from the stations were out of the question. And paying for a cab twice a day would completely break your budget, so you were forced to take some time off. Your colleagues were sweet enough to cover for you if any student needed help with their summer homework. And Rengoku - who seemed to feel somewhat responsible for your injury - texted you several times a week to ask if you needed anything. He offered to bring you dinner on his way home from work on more than one occasion. 

But just the thought of him entering your small, messy apartment was too much. You knew that he’d never be satisfied with just dropping off the food at your door, you knew that he’d insist on coming inside to check up on you. He’d probably insist on doing your dishes and taking out your trash while he was there, too. 

At any other time you would’ve said yes. But at any other time you wouldn’t be hobbling around your home, supporting your weight against any suitable surface. At any other time, you’d be able to clean and tidy your apartment and take out your trash yourself. But as it were, you couldn’t do any of that. And you didn’t want Rengoku to see the mess you were currently living in. 

You didn’t see him again until the beginning of the second semester. His happy smile made guilt course through your body. Maybe allowing him to come over to help you would’ve been alright. But it was too late to change your mind on that. In order to relieve some of both his guilt and yours, you took him up on his offer to support you through the two big events of the fall semester. He guided you through the sports festival in October and the culture festival in November, showing you how to better encourage your homeroom class to do their best in both events. And before you knew it the year was nearly over. 

“I started watching that cat samurai show you suggested over the weekend!” Rengoku told you one Monday morning in early December. “I’m nearly halfway through the first season!” 

You grinned at him. The show was one of your favorites, one you thought that he would enjoy as well. Seeing how excited he was, it seemed that you had assumed correctly. 

“What do you think of it so far?” you asked, reading yourself for a lengthy discussion. 

Rengoku launched into a detailed analysis, both of the characters and the combat.  

“And the cat is so precious!!” He let out a wistful sigh. “I wish my father would allow animals in our house; I’ve always wanted a pet to--” 

He didn’t make it further. The train came to a screeching halt, the jam-packed crowd shifting with it. You clung to a stanchion handle with both hands, feeling yourself slip sideways. Rengoku slammed his hand against the railing next to your shoulder, trying to keep both of you in place. You screwed your eyes shut. 

It took a moment for the world to still. The train speakers crackled to life, filling the air with apologies for the sudden stop. People around you groaned, some hissing in pain. A hot breath fanned over your skin. 

Opening your eyes again, you found Rengoku’s face just inches away from your own, his heat-haze-eyes closer than they’d ever been. His cheeks had turned a furious pink, his jaw clenched tight.  

“My apologies,” he hissed through gritted teeth, “I can’t move!!” 

Peeking over his shoulder, your own cheeks heating up as another labored breath fanned over your neck, you saw at least two people leaning heavily against his back. It was only then that you realized just how much he was fighting to keep himself from collapsing against you. His arms were braced against the railing on either side of your shoulders, straining muscles stretching his dress shirt to its limits. You could almost hear the seams complain. 

Swallowing hard, you fought to keep your voice even. “It can’t be helped. If you can’t move then you can’t move.”

The walk to the academy was uncharacteristically silent. Rengoku kept more distance between the two of you than he normally did. You racked your brain, trying to come up with something to clear the air. Passing by a residential neighborhood, you spotted a bush which someone had decorated in sprawling string lights.  

“Look,” you said, pointing at it. “Someone decorated for Christmas already! I guess the year is nearly over.” 

Rengoku let out a grunt in reply. 

“Do you have any plans for Christmas Eve?” you tried, desperate to fill the silence. 

“None.” 

“Yeah, me neither. I’m thinking of getting together with some of my single friends, though, have a little party… Or I might go visit my parents.”  

Finally, you felt his gaze on you again.  

“You don’t have a partner to celebrate with?” he asked. 

You let out an awkward laugh; you thought that you’d already made that pretty clear. Christmas Eve was for couples, you couldn’t imagine planning a get-together with your friends if you could spend the night hand in hand with a significant other, exploring the town in search of romantic Christmas decorations. Then again, some people’s partners had to work on Christmas Eve. 

“No, I don’t,” you said.  

Peeking at him, you saw a soft smile play on Rengoku’s face.  

“Neither do I,” he said.

“Cheers!! ” 

A chorus of happy voices filled the room, almost drowning out the clinking of glasses. Taking a sip, you placed your drink back on the table, a warm, happy glow filling your entire body. This was the first end-of-the-year party with your new colleagues, and it was the most fun you’d had in a while. It seemed to you that everybody was more relaxed than they usually were when you’d gone out for drinks. 

Across from you, Rengoku picked his chopsticks up again, digging back into his food, a rosy tint in his cheeks. Even he was getting tipsy from Uzui’s infernal drinking games. You knew that Rengoku rarely drank, he usually focused more on the food and conversation. But Uzui hadn’t let him do that tonight. 

“It’s nearly New Year’s, Rengoku, we gotta celebrate~!” he’d said, over and over again, as he pushed yet another glass of beer into Rengoku’s hands. Even if you didn’t agree with his methods, you had to admit that they were quite effective. 

The drinking games had affected you, too. Everything was fuzzy, the edges of your vision swimming, your head tight from the thick, hot air in the room. You weren’t entirely sure that you could still walk straight. But you were about to put it to the test.

Getting to the restroom had felt like navigating an agility course. You were pretty certain that the bar didn’t have a see-saw in the middle of their main corridor, but it certainly felt like you’d walked across one. 

“Might be time to switch to water,” you mumbled, staring at your wobbling reflection.  

You heard a knock on the door, then Rengoku called your name. 

“Are you doing alright in there?” he asked. 

“I am!” you called as you began the long trek back to the door. “I’m just… j-just… really drunk.” 

You were pretty sure that you’d spent at least half an hour getting out. And yet, Rengoku was still waiting for you. He gave you one of his standard sunny smiles. You had half a mind to ask for sunglasses. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” you slurred. 

“It’s no problem! Do you need a hand getting back?” 

You spotted the floor twisting in on itself further down the corridor. Having someone sturdy as support when navigating that part might be a good idea.  

“Yeah,” you said, clinging to his offered arm. “I’d like that.” 

Rengoku didn’t seem nearly as affected by the alcohol as you did. He supported you steadily as you made your way back down the corridor. 

“‘S not fair!” you whined. “We’ve been drinking the same amount, but you’re barely even slurring!” 

He grinned at you. “I’ve been eating more than you have. And I’ve been making sure to have plenty of water, too. Trust me, though, I still feel it!” 

Stopping in your tracks, you leaned your face against his shoulder. 

“Are you alright?” he asked, voice laced with concern. 

“‘M fine,” you replied. “‘S just… the lights are really bright. An’ the floors are moving. Feels like ’m gonna fall.” 

Rengoku let out a soft chuckle. “That won’t do…” 

He gently guided you down a different corridor, this one blessedly dark and empty. Reaching the end, he helped you sit in the corner so you’d be supported on both sides, then sat next to you. 

“How’s this?” he asked. 

You’d never heard his voice so soft before. 

“Better. At least I can’t fall very far here.” You sat in silence for a moment, before you spoke up again. “Uzui will be the death of me!” 

Rengoku let out another chuckle. “He’ll be the death of all of us!” 

Turning your head, you peeked at the man next to you. “Is Uzui always like that? So insistent that everybody drinks?” 

“Well…” Rengoku rubbed at his chin. “He certainly strives to ensure that everybody has a good time when we’re out! Which, as you know, means no difficult topics of conversation.” He started counting on his fingers. “No moping, no arguing - Shinazugawa has trouble with that one! - and everybody present has to participate. He usually lets me get away with nursing just one drink throughout the evening, but not tonight! He really wants us to take advantage of the ‘all you can drink’ event!” Grinning at you, he added, “Though I prefer to take advantage of the ‘all you can eat’ part instead!!” 

He laughed again. Soon, your laughter blended in with his. Sitting on the floor in the cool, dim, empty corridor like this - away from all the mingling voices and clinking of glasses at the party - did wonders for your head. The drunken fog slowly started to lift. 

The two of you sat quiet for another while. This time, Rengoku broke the silence.

“Hey…” He hesitated, then shifted his position so he could look more directly at you. “Since we’re alone, I… have been meaning to ask you something.” 

His fiery eyes were like embers in the dim light with the way they seemed to almost smolder and glow. Your heart beat faster. 

“What is it?” you asked. 

“What…” He averted his eyes. If you hadn’t known better, you would have thought that he was nervous. “What do you think of me?” he finally asked. 

That was the last question you’d expected. What you thought of him, huh?  

”I think you’re great, Rengoku-san!” you answered earnestly. “You’re a very accomplished-- a very well-liked teacher. You’re knowledgeable, you’re kind, you’re pretty cute. I think you’re great!” 

His eyes widened. “You think I’m cute?” 

You hadn’t meant to let that part slip. Averting your eyes, you let your gaze glide around the corridor, desperate to find something to help you change the topic. But what you found wasn’t exactly what you’d hoped for. On the ceiling above Rengoku hung a few sprigs with green, almond-shaped leaves and a spray of white berries, all of it tied together with a red ribbon. Mistletoe. It had to be a forgotten Christmas decoration. 

Rengoku followed your gaze, letting out a soft ‘oh ’ as he spotted the mistletoe. He inched closer. 

“May I?” he asked. “If you don’t want to, just say no and I’ll leave you alone.” 

You looked at him again. “Do you want to?” 

He smiled. “More than anything.” 

Your head went empty at that smile. Barely knowing what you were doing, you raised your hands, fingers grabbing onto the collar of his shirt, pulling him closer to you. He let out a surprised grunt. Then your lips touched. 

You released his collar, letting your hands run up over his neck, fingers tangling in his hair and tugging him even closer. Rengoku groaned. You couldn’t help but feel proud that you had so easily managed to pull that kind of sound out of him.  

One of his arms braced against the wall, the other snaked around your lower back, making you arch your spine to press closer to him. Deepening the kiss, you tasted beer on his tongue. 

You had no idea how long the two of you were kissing. Eventually, Rengoku broke the kiss, his sweltering lips brushing over your cheek. 

“Please,” he whispered, “come back to my hotel room with me; I want to spend the night with you!”  

You froze. Pushing back just enough to see his face clearly, you asked, “Did you plan for this?” 

A look of shock swept over his features. “No! I did not!” Sitting back, he continued, “I mean, yes, I booked the room as soon as I knew the location of our get-together, but it was only ever meant for me! Please believe me when I say that I didn’t intend for…” He gestured between the two of you. “For any of this to happen!” 

“Why would you need a hotel room?” you asked. “Wouldn’t it be cheaper to just go home?” 

“Mostly to ease my mind,” he replied. “I’m not much for these kinds of parties. This way I won’t have to worry about either catching the last train or staying out till morning like Uzui does! Getting a cheap hotel room allows me to just drink without worrying about how to get home or about disturbing my family.” Sending you a nervous smile, he added, “And it’s not much more expensive than taking a cab home!” 

His reasoning made sense. You’d been stranded before, only realizing how late it had gotten long after the last train had left. Usually, you’d end up crashing at a friend’s place… Or going the Uzui route and staying out till the morning trains started running. 

“This is not a capsule hotel, right?” 

Rengoku shook his head vigorously. “No! I’d never be so bold if it was!” 

“And you swear that you didn’t get the room just so you could get laid?” 

“I swear it!” 

“Do you have condoms?” 

“I do!!” 

“Why, if you didn’t plan to get laid?” 

A flustered blush spread in Rengoku’s cheeks. “Well, I… I like being prepared just in case it might happen. I think it’s better to have some in my bag and not need them, rather than need them and not have any available! Don’t you agree?”  

Finally, you smiled at him. “I do. I have some with me, too, just in case.” Reaching your hands out to him, you said, “Help me get up?”

The hotel was only a brief walk away. Still, the cold sobered you up, as did Rengoku’s warm fingers laced together with yours. You had no idea what your colleagues might’ve thought when they saw you leave together, your lips swollen and bruised; and you frankly didn’t care right now. It was something to deal with after the winter holidays.  

Rengoku’s hotel room was small, the carpet worn, the sheets rough from too much laundering. Still, it was clean and private. And that was all you needed. 

Helping you out of your coat, he wrapped his arms around your waist, pressing a kiss to your shoulder. 

“Are you still up for this?” he asked. “We don’t have to do anything if you’ve changed your mind! We can just share the bed for the night if--” 

Turning in his arms, you pressed a finger against his lips to silence him. You wanted to spend the night with him. To be honest, you wanted to spend so much more than just a single night with him, but if this was what he was willing to offer for now, then you’d take it. 

“Yeah,” you said, leaning in to kiss him again. “I do want this!”

Groaning, you screwed your eyes shut, burrowing deeper underneath the covers in an attempt to escape your aching head. You felt the bed dip, then Rengoku caressed your shoulder. 

“I brought you some water,” he said. 

You fought your way up, keeping the sheets wrapped tight around your naked body.  

Rengoku was already dressed in yesterday’s clothes, the tips of his hair still wet from his shower. He didn’t seem to have even a shred of a hangover. It only made the pain in your head throb worse. It wasn’t fair that he was so perfect; you didn’t even want to think about how disheveled you probably looked after last night. 

Last night… You remembered Rengoku asking you to call him by his given name. But you weren’t sure if that sentiment still applied today, or if it had only been a request in the heat of the moment. If he still wants it, you thought, accepting the glass, then he can correct me. 

“Thanks!” you said, lifting the glass to your lips. “You’re a gem, Rengoku-san.” 

You were too occupied with your water to see the look of confusion and heartbreak flashing over Rengoku’s face. By the time you looked at him again, he’d managed to twist his expression back to his normal, carefree manner.  

“Do you want breakfast?” he asked. 

You nodded. “I’ll give it a try, as long as it’s something bland.”

Breakfast was a quiet affair, at least on your part. Rengoku seemed as vibrant as ever, monologuing your ear off. You couldn’t believe that nothing had changed. It seemed like the night you’d shared had been nothing special to him. But you refused to be the one to bring up the subject of ‘what happens now?’ If this was how he wanted it, then you’d play along.

When school started up again, you still hadn’t talked about what had happened between you. At that point you didn’t think that it would ever happen. Rengoku acted the same towards you as he always did, still just as bright and cheerful and friendly as the first time you met him - but nothing more than that. 

Squaring your jaw, you reminded yourself that it could’ve been much worse. He could’ve been cold now that he’d seemingly gotten what he wanted from you. At least he still wanted to be friends. And maybe that was what he wanted, a friend who he could spend the occasional drunken night with. The question now was… was that something you’d be willing to do, too?

You had barely made it into the teachers’ lounge when Kochou pulled you aside.

“So?” she asked, purple eyes wide with curiosity. “What’s going on between you and Rengoku? Are you two dating now?” 

“I don’t know,” you admitted. “We’ve never really talked about it.” 

You paused your conversation, watching as Rengoku walked past on his way to the restrooms. As soon as he saw you, his face lit up, just like it always did. Just like it had done since that first commute. He waved at you, and you and Kochou both waved back. 

“My, my,” Kochou said, hiding a grin behind her hand, “It seems like he likes you a lot!” 

You shook your head. “Nah, that’s how he always is. He hasn’t changed his behavior towards me one bit.”

On the last morning of January, you were once again commuting alone. Rengoku still kept up with his monthly coffee runs, which meant arriving earlier than usual. You had decided to not join him this morning, instead opting for a little bit of extra sleep, your confused feelings frequently keeping you awake at night.

You spaced out, staring into the gray morning. Last night had been particularly bad; you’d kept running every conversation you’d had with Rengoku for the past month and a half through your head, trying to see if there was some nuance you’d missed. 

The train pulled into your station and you joined the throng crowding around the doors. But they didn’t open. The air filled with stressed voices questioning why. 

Then the speakers crackled to life. “Our most sincere apologies for this delay! We’re currently experiencing a technical error.”

You hurried up the steep hill leading to the academy, breath sticking in your lungs. That damned electrical error had made you so late that you weren’t sure you would make it to work on time. 

Turning a corner, the school gates finally came into view. As you had expected, Tomioka, the physical education teacher, was there, a bamboo sword propped against his shoulder as he waited for the last few students to arrive. Swallowing dryly, you looked at the man next to him. Rengoku; the one person you didn’t want to see you like this. 

Tomioka glanced at his watch, then moved to pull the gates shut. 

“Wait!” you shouted, forcing your weary body to move as fast as possible. 

Your voice came out as more of a croak. Still, the two men heard you. Rengoku turned in your direction, waving at you, while Tomioka began closing the gate. He stopped it partway, letting you squeeze through. 

“Fell asleep on the train, did you?” Rengoku teased. “Is that what happens when I’m not there to keep you company? You ought to--” 

You leaned against the wall, your eyes closed, the whooshing in your ears blocking out his voice. Drawing in a labored breath, you opened your eyes again. Rengoku had moved closer, his face marred with concern. 

“What happened??” he asked. 

“The train,” you said, fighting to just breathe. “It broke down. We couldn’t get off. I ran as fast as I could.” 

Pulling away from the wall, you took a step forward. Classes were about to start, you had to get ready! Wetting your lips, you tasted blood. Then your knees buckled.  

Your cheek bumped up against something warm and firm. A pair of arms closed around your shoulders. If you’d had the wherewithal to parse any smell beyond the metallic one that overwhelmed your senses, you would’ve noticed the scent of cologne and clean laundry. 

The ringing in your ears nearly drowned out Rengoku’s words to Tomioka. Then he guided you towards the main building.

When you regained full consciousness, you found yourself on one of the beds in the infirmary, the privacy curtains pulled shut. You tried to sit up but were instantly pushed back down. 

Rengoku’s face came into your field of vision. “You need to rest,” he said. 

“But what about class?” you argued, voice feeble. 

“Self-study; I asked Tomioka to pass on that message. We still have a while before the next class. But I doubt that you’ll be in any condition to teach today.” 

Reaching out, he ran his fingers over your cheek. “You need to take proper care of yourself!” he gently admonished. “Tamayo told me that you likely collapsed because of stress! You even had a nosebleed!! You haven’t been sleeping properly lately, have you?” 

And whose fault is that?! you wanted to argue. You wanted to tell him how his innocent and nonchalant attitude towards you was causing you to lose sleep. You wanted to force him to answer the question constantly tumbling around your brain: did he just like you as a friend, or did he like you as something more? But you couldn’t get yourself to push the words past your lips. 

Taking a closer look at Rengoku, you noticed that he’d discarded his dress shirt. All he wore was a tight, white undershirt. It ought to be illegal for him to look that good, especially in an infirmary. You might get a cartoonish nosebleed at any point. Wait a moment… hadn’t he said that you’d already had a nosebleed? 

Lifting your hand, you gingerly touched your nose. It wasn’t bleeding anymore, but you could feel the dried up blood in your nostrils. You looked at Rengoku in horror. 

“I bled on you?!” 

He gave you a gentle smile. “Only a little bit! I rinsed it off already, and I always carry an extra shirt in case I spill something on myself.” 

You hid your face in your hands. This was too embarrassing! You couldn’t believe that you’d pressed yourself hard enough to get a nose bleed. And you especially couldn’t believe that you’d repaid Rengoku’s kindness of catching you when you all but fainted by bleeding on his clothes. 

Peeking out between your hands, you noticed Rengoku staring at you, his fiery gaze taking in your features, lingering on your lips. He was completely oblivious to your inner torment.  

Leaning in, he whispered, “Listen, I--” 

The door opened and someone entered. 

“Rengoku-san, are you still here?” Tamayo, the school nurse, asked. 

He flinched away from you, jumping to his feet. “I am!!” he all but cried. 

“The headmistress would like to speak with you if you’re done changing.” 

He grabbed the fresh shirt out of his backpack and began putting it on. “Tell her that I’ll be there in a minute!” 

Hearing the door close again, you looked at him, urging him to stay for a moment, to finish what he’d been about to say. 

Swallowing hard, he met your eyes once more. “I borrowed my parents’ car this morning! I thought I’d offer you a ride home tonight!!” 

“Why?” you asked. Was he just worried about the health of a colleague? Or did he mean something more but didn’t know how to bring it up? 

“Senjurou got hurt horsing around with his friends yesterday! He’ll be fine, the doctor said that he’ll spring right back!! But his knee was pretty swollen this morning, so our parents still found it best that I dive him. That way they wouldn’t need to make multiple trips!” 

You let out a soft sigh. That was not what you’d tried to ask. But you were too tired to correct him.  

“Sure, I’d appreciate a ride home.”

You stared out at the scenery speeding by. The car was filled with the happy conversation of the Rengoku brothers. None of them seemed to pay any attention to your foul mood. If you had been alone with Rengoku, you would most likely have forced a conversation about what you meant to him, just to get it off your chest. But it wouldn’t be fair to involve his younger brother in that kind of conversation. 

Rengoku. Purgatory. You smiled wryly. His name really was apt. Having a crush on him and not knowing how he felt about you was like your own private circle of hell. Yesterday he’d treated you like he did all of his other colleagues. And today, he’d behaved like you were precious to him, going so far as to caress your cheek. He had even looked like he wanted to kiss you before Tamayo interrupted him. 

Sighing softly, you peeked at Rengoku. Valentine’s Day was only a couple of weeks away. That would be your last attempt to make him understand how you felt. If he didn’t get your hints - or if he didn’t reciprocate your feelings - you owed it to both of you to stop trying. You couldn’t carry like this.

Pulling the first little cellophane bag of homemade chocolates out of your tote, you settled it on your desk for a moment, adjusting the red bow. Your hands were shaking. Never, not once in all your life, had you been this nervous about giving someone confession chocolate. Hopefully, you’d made it special enough that he would understand. Hopefully, he would notice that the bow was red, instead of the blue you’d used for the bags of obligation chocolate you were giving to your other colleagues.  

“What’ve you got there?”  

Rengoku’s soft voice made you jump. You hadn’t heard him enter. Casting a glance around the otherwise empty teachers’ lounge, you pushed your chair back, getting to your feet. Turning, you held the bag out to him. 

“It’s for you, Rengoku-san! Happy Valentine’s Day!” 

He stood still for a moment, eyes flicking between your face and the red-ribboned cellophane bag, before he lowered his gaze, taking in your tote with the other bags of chocolate, each one sporting a blue ribbon. His eyes flicked back up to yours. 

“This one’s for me?” 

You nodded. 

He reached out, gingerly taking the bag from you. You watched breathlessly as he undid the bow, stuffed the ribbon into his breast pocket, and popped one chocolate into his mouth. 

“Well,” you asked, almost afraid to hear the answer, “How is it?” 

Rengoku covered his mouth. “It’s so tasty!” you heard him mumble. “It’s so, so, so tasty!!!” 

You had to hide a smile of your own. You knew how he normally reacted to tasty food; it seemed clear to you that he was trying to suppress that reaction so he wouldn’t disturb anyone else in the vicinity. 

“I’m glad that you like it!” you said. 

“It’s so good!” he replied, stuffing another piece into his mouth. “Pretty high quality, too, isn’t it?” 

“Yeah,” you said earnestly, silently begging him to understand what you meant. “I picked the best I could find.” 

He let out a soft hum. “I guess I’ll have to get you something equally as special for White Day, then.” 

Your knees almost buckled with relief. It seemed that he’d finally caught your hints.

The arrival of March meant that graduation day had come. You fought to control your tears when the former student body president held a speech on behalf of the other students, thanking their teachers for the help and guidance they had received throughout the years. 

Once the ceremony ended, you decided to try to find a quiet corner to compose yourself before facing the crowd of students and parents again. It seemed that Rengoku had the same idea. 

“You too, huh?” he said when he spotted your wet eyes. 

You just nodded, accepting the paper tissue he offered you.

“It gets easier with time,” he said, wiping at his own eyes and blowing his nose. “But I don’t think I’ll ever get fully used to it. I’ll be a blubbering mess when Senjurou graduates!” 

You let out a soft laugh. “Aren’t you being a bit too dramatic? I know how much you care about your brother, but his graduation is still five years away.” 

Rengoku nodded. “Right! I have to look at what’s right in front of me first.” Slapping his cheeks with both hands, he said, “White Day is less than two weeks away!”  

He lowered his hands, two angrily pink palm prints still on his cheeks. Then he sent you one of his dazzling smiles, the teardrops clinging to his lashes making his eyes sparkle.  

“And you’d better believe I have something special planned, just for you!”

You looked at the little, white bag on your desk. Reaching out, you touched the red bow. It was so similar to the one on the chocolates you’d given him, almost like it was the same piece of ribbon. 

Running the ribbon between your fingers, you then pulled on it, undoing the bow. You peeked into the bag. It was filled with little, heart-shaped pieces of hard candy. Popping one into your mouth, you smiled to yourself as the fresh, sweet taste of peppermint washed over your tongue.  

Since hard candy took a while to eat, the sweetness staying with the receiver for a much longer time than that of gummy candy, they were usually used to symbolize love rather than friendship. So that had to be a good sign… right?  

Sighing, you let the ribbon glide between your fingers again. You honestly wouldn’t put it past Rengoku to give out hard candy to every woman in his life solely because he thought it was more tasty than anything else, traditions be damned. Looking over at Kochou’s desk, you saw the same white bag, this one tied with a white ribbon. Maybe that meant something, though, that he had given you the bag with the red ribbon…  

Rolling the candy around your mouth, you noticed a change in the flavor. Chocolate. There was a little pocket of dark chocolate inside the candy. Surely that had to mean something. 

Smiling to yourself, you thought back on the first time Rengoku had bought you coffee; the latte that you couldn’t drink. Ever since then he’d taken extra care to only offer you dairy-free food and drinks. You were certain that he had put meticulous research into this chocolate, too.  

The door behind you opened and you heard a little squeal of glee. Kochou hurried to her desk, grabbing at the white bag.  

She turned to you, a wide smile on her face. “I’ve been looking forward to these ever since last year! Rengoku always picks the best gummy candies, but he refuses to tell me where he gets them!” 

You nodded silently, heart fluttering. Kochou hadn’t gotten hard candy. That meant that the hard candy wasn’t the usual gift from him. It was something only for you.

“May I speak with you for a moment?” 

You looked up at Rengoku as he leaned against your desk. The two of you had spent most of the day shooting each other longing, lingering glances, both of you too occupied with work to talk about the candy.  

Rengoku cast a quick look at Uzui who tried to appear busy and like he wasn’t listening intently to your conversation. “In private,” he mumbled, “if you don’t mind.” 

You just nodded. 

Following him out of the teachers’ lounge, he lead you to an empty classroom. Shutting the door behind you, he leaned up against it. 

“I--” he started, halted, then cleared his throat. “How did you like the candy?” 

You smiled at him. “They were great! Very… tasty.” 

“I’m glad.” Stepping forward, he grabbed onto your hands. “So that means that you agree, right?” 

“To what?” you asked. You needed to hear him say it outright, to make sure that you didn’t misunderstand again. 

He let out a sigh. “I like you a lot. I’ve been trying to show it, but I suppose that I haven’t been clear enough. So when you gave me confession chocolate for Valentine’s Day--” He halted himself again, a look of uncertainty sweeping over his face. “It was confession chocolate, right?” 

You nodded, giddiness making your skin tingle. 

Rengoku’s face mirrored the relief you felt. He lifted one of your hands, holding your palm to his cheek, nuzzling his face against your skin. 

“I feared that I ruined everything at the end-of-the-year party when I asked you to stay with me overnight. You’ve been so distant since then. I assumed that I did something wrong that night, that my actions made you dislike me!” 

You let out a soft laugh. “And I thought that you weren’t interested in anything beyond that one night.” 

Rengoku turned his head, pressing a kiss into your palm. “But I am! I want every single day! I want to spend my whole life with you!!” 

“Your whole life? Isn’t it a bit soon to decide that?” 

You felt his lips curl into a smile against the sensitive skin of your palm.

“Perhaps it is,” he admitted. “But a man can dream, can’t he?” Raising your free hand, he pressed it to his chest right above his heart. “Do you feel that, my sweet? Can you tell how fast my heart is beating? That’s all you! I’ve gotten to know you quite well in the past year, and I know for certain that you’re the kind of person I want to spend the rest of my life with!!” 

You couldn’t help but laugh again. “I didn’t realize that you could be so cheesy, Rengoku-san!” 

He leveled you with a more serious gaze. “Please, don’t use my family name anymore, not when it’s just you and I. If we’re doing this, I want you to use my given name.” 

The pleading tone in his voice - and the memory of that night in late December where he had said those same words - made your heart clench. You really had misjudged his intentions. 

“Alright,” you said, nodding. “Kyoujurou-san it is!” 

He sent you one of his brilliant smiles - which, you realized, he saved just for you.

Kyoujurou insisted on walking you home, getting off the train a few stops earlier than he normally did. You were ambling through the night-dark streets, Kyoujurou’s fingers interlaced with yours, when he pulled you to a stop, his hair blazing like sun-spun gold under the streetlights. 

“Would you have dinner with me tonight? As our first official date?” 

You looked at him. “I’d love to, but do you think we can find a place that isn’t busy? It’s White Day, I’m sure the restaurants have been booked full for a while.”

Kyoujurou shot you a smile. “Trust me, I know just the place! And the food there is really tasty!!” 

He led you to a little street stall, only big enough to fit four people. The old man running the stall greeted him warmly. Turning his gaze to you, he added, “And I see you’ve brought a companion tonight! Come in, please, and have a seat!”

Kyoujurou was right, the food at the little stall was delicious. But as much as you wanted to, you couldn’t match his voracious appetite. 

Once he’d paid - and he’d insisted on paying for you, too, since he’d ended up finishing off some of your food - the two of you started towards your apartment building again. But you were sidetracked once more by the sounds of a cheerful crowd. 

Turning a corner, you saw groups of people dotting the grass at a little park, spread out underneath the blooming cherry trees, the flagstones of the main pathway lined with vendors. 

You let out a soft breath. “I didn’t realize the trees had bloomed yet.” 

Kyoujurou pulled you towards the gathering. “Come! I’m sure we can find some dessert here!” 

“You still want more food??” 

Turning back to you, he grinned. “I always have room for an extra snack or two!”

Spreading his jacket out on the grass to protect your clothes, Kyoujurou then disappeared into the crowd. He returned a while later, hands full of treats. Crouching in front of you, he settled the containers on the ground. Tri-colored dango, sakuramochi, and… 

You looked up at him. “Sake?” 

“Yes! I thought it would fit the occasion! Or would you rather have tea? I can get you some!” 

Shaking your head, you smiled at him. “Sake is perfect!”

You sat for a while, just soaking up the atmosphere, the chilly night air making you scoot closer to Kyoujurou. He didn’t seem to mind, carefully settling his arm behind your back so you could lean against him without being too obvious, occasionally brushing the tips of his fingers against yours.

The walk back to your apartment seemed much too short. You would’ve liked to spend the whole night sitting under the cherry trees with Kyoujurou, but even his surplus of body heat couldn’t keep the chill from creeping into your bones.

 Unlocking your front door, you turned to look at him again. “I had a great time tonight.” 

He smiled at you. “I did, too!” 

You didn’t want the night to end, not just yet. Fiddling with your keys, you asked, “Do you want to come in for a moment?” 

His smile grew brighter. “Of course! But only for a moment!” 

You had barely pulled the door shut behind you before you felt Kyoujurou’s warm hands on your cheeks. They felt almost burning against your cold skin. Then he kissed you, softer than he ever had before.  

Pulling away, he let out a happy sigh. “I’ve been aching to do that all day!” 

Grinning, you pulled him into another kiss. And another. And another. Finally, you pulled away, cursing your need to breathe. 

“Do you want to stay the night?” you asked. 

He pressed a kiss to your forehead. “Not tonight, my sweet. I’d rather save that for when I’m completely sober.” 

Nodding, you tried your best not to pout. You knew where he was coming from with that sentiment. Still, it stung to be rejected. 

Kyoujurou spoke up again, almost as if he could sense your hurt feelings. “Do you want to visit me during the break? We won’t have a lot of privacy, but we can at least be together! We could frame it as us coordinating our lesson plans!” 

You nodded again, a smile spreading on your face.

Looking up from your phone, you stared at the houses in front of you. Which one was Kyoujurou’s home? The directions he’d given you left a lot to be desired, and he wasn’t answering his phone. You couldn’t remember enough from the summer festival, when he’d offered to take you to the emergency room; it had been dark back then, and you had been preoccupied with your aching ankle. 

Walking on, your ears picked up the distant clacks of wood striking wood. Following it, you soon came upon a dojo. You hoped that it was the right one and that you weren’t about to disturb someone’s training for no reason. 

Peeking around the corner of the building, you spotted the practice hall, the outer screen doors thrown open to allow in some fresh air. And you spotted the two people sparring. 

It was Kyoujurou and his father. Both were steaming in the chilly spring air, neither wearing armor. Kyoujurou had shrugged off his gi top, leaving it to dangle from the waist of his hakama. His exposed skin was glistening in the sunlight. 

Kyoujurou let out a guttural shout. You watched as he attacked, enthralled with the way his body moved. Each swing, however, was blocked by his father. The wooden swords struck each other, again and again, resulting in the loud clacking sounds which had lured you this close.  

His father couter-attacked. Kyoujurou blocked. Somehow - your untrained eye couldn’t tell how it happened - the older man managed to get the tip of his sword wrapped around Kyoujurou’s, wrenching it out of his hands. It fell to the floor with a clatter. 

Kyoujurou sunk to his knees with a tired groan. “Not again!! Why can’t I beat you just once today?!” 

His father chuckled under his breath. “Because your mind is elsewhere. When will she be here?” 

“Soon!” Kyoujurou replied, getting to his feet. He moved to a narrow set of shelves, picking up his phone. “I should have enough time for-- oh beans, is it this late already?! She’ll be here any minute!!” 

“Go,” his father said. “I’ll clean.” 

Both you and Kyoujuruo’s father watched him leave. You were about to retrace your steps, your mind set on returning to the street and rounding the house that way, when the older man spoke up again.  

“How long have you been watching?” 

You froze, staring as Kyoujurou’s father turned, meeting your eyes. 

“A couple of minutes?” you squeaked out. 

His father let out a grunt in reply. “You’re her, aren’t you? Kyoujurou’s girlfriend?” 

You nodded silently. This man exuded much more raw power than Kyoujurou did. You couldn’t quite tell whether you liked him or not yet. 

As if he could see your apprehension written on your face - which, you told yourself, he probably could - he moved closer with cat-like grace. Then he knelt, settling on the floor. 

“I’m Kyoujurou’s father,” he said, “Rengoku Shinjurou.” 

You quickly introduced yourself, trying your best not to trip over your words. 

“I hope you’ll be good to him,” Shinjurou said. “Despite how he behaves, he has a delicate heart. I’d rather not have to pick up the pieces again.” 

You found yourself bristling at his words. “Of course I will! I care a lot about him!”

Shinjurou gave you a brief smile. “As do I.” Standing, he descended from the house, slipping his feet into a pair of discarded sandals. “I’ll take you to the main house; the layout is confusing if you aren’t used to it.” 

Shinjurou handed you off to his wife, Ruka, at the private entrance to their house. Ruka seemed elated to meet you, her soft smile so similar to Kyoujurou’s. She pulled you into the kitchen, already busy pouring iced tea into a glass before you had even managed to hand over the cookies you brought.

The two of you settled at the kitchen table, talking about work. Before long you heard the padding of feet hurrying towards you.

“Mom?” Kyoujurou called, fighting to get his arm through the sleeve of his shirt. “Do you know if--”

Seeing you through the kitchen door, he came to a halt, a smile spreading on his face like a ray of sunshine on an overcast day.

“You’re here! My apologies, I lost track of time, I meant to pick you up at the station!” Letting his eyes glide over to Ruka, he added, “I see you’ve already met my mother.”

Ruka patted the chair next to her. “Come sit and chat with us for a moment before you start work. Do you want tea?”

“Perhaps later,” Kyoujurou said. “We should really start working.”

Getting up, you followed him as he led you to the living room.

As soon as he’d shut the doors behind you, he pulled you into a tight embrace, his lips grazing over your cheek.

“I missed you,” he mumbled, his mouth already searching for yours.

“I can’t believe you told your family about us.” 

Kyoujurou sent you an embarrassed smile from across the low living room table. “I’ve been so ecstatic since Valentine’s Day that they could tell something was up. They kept asking why and I couldn’t keep it a secret any longer!” Reaching out, he grabbed your hand. “But does it matter that they know? Now we don’t have to sneak around!” 

“I guess,” you said. “But I would’ve preferred it if you told me before I made a fool of myself in front of your father.” 

Kyoujurou raised his eyebrows. “When did that happen?” 

“Well…” You fidgeted, not wanting to tell him that you watched him and his father spar. “I got lost on the way here. And I heard someone sparring and followed the noise. I thought that I’d ask them for directions…” 

“And it was dad and I?” he asked. 

You nodded. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to spy on you.” 

“How many times did you watch me lose?” 

Fidgeting again, you said, “Just the last time.” 

Kyoujurou hid his face in his hands, groaning. “So much for wanting to look cool. I suppose there’s a reason why dad is the master and not me. Even if it bothers me that I still don’t measure up to him.” 

You reached over the table, pulling at his wrist. “But you are cool! You’re much cooler than I am! I wouldn’t last a second against your father! I probably wouldn’t last a second against his students either.” 

Kyoujurou lowered his hands, a dejected look still on his handsome face. You interlaced your fingers with his, gently squeezing his hand. 

“Speaking of,” you said, trying to change the subject, “Why did you use the wooden swords? I thought kendo used bamboo swords, like the one Tomioka has.” 

“The sub-branch that my father teaches uses both,” Kyoujurou said. “Though only the older students are allowed to use the wooden swords. And I’m the only one my dad allows to spar without armor.” 

“See,” you said, “You’re the only one! You may not be as experienced as your dad, but he still trusts your skills!” 

Kyoujurou finally looked at you, his sunny smile returning. “You’re right! I just have to keep working hard!!” Raising your hand up to his lips, he continued. “And for the record, I do win on occasion!” 

Pulling your hand from his, you ran your fingers over his cheek and into his hair, hooking them around the back of his head to draw him closer. 

The door to the living room opened. The two of you pulled apart instantly. 

Ruka entered. “Working hard already? I made some more tea and snacks for you.” 

Kyoujurou gave her a strained smile. “Thank you, mom, but I could have done that!” 

Ruka hid a smile behind her hand. “My, did I interrupt something?” 

“Nothing at all!!” Turning his smile to you, he said, “We should get back to work!”

“Sensei!” 

You flinched away from Kyoujurou again, just as Senjurou pushed the door open. 

“Sensei, would you mind helping me with a word? I can’t make sense of it.” 

Fighting to hide your annoyed expression, you turned to Senjurou. But Kyoujurou beat you to it. 

“She’s a guest, Senjurou. She’s here to work with me.” Waving at himself, he continued, “So you bring your questions over here!” 

Senjurou sent you an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Sensei!” 

Sitting next to his brother, Senjurou spread the book out between them.  

“This one,” he said, pointing. “It’s not ‘bird’, is it?” 

“You’re right,” Kyoujurou said, “It’s ‘crow’. See how there’s a line missing here? If you add that line, you get ‘bird’.” 

You tried your best to hide your smile as you peeked at them. They looked so cute together. You almost wanted to snap a candid picture of them.

Once Senjurou left, you turned to Kyoujurou. 

“I know you said that we wouldn’t have much privacy here,” you joked, “But I didn’t realize that we’d get disturbed this much.” 

Kyoujurou returned your smile. “I normally appreciate how full of life this house is! Though I wish it wasn’t as lively, just for today.” Scratching at his cheek, he continued, “If you want… I could show you my room later. We should be able to have a couple of minutes to ourselves up there. And I could show you my collection of ancient maps!”

Kyoujurou led you past the kitchen - where you could hear Ruka and Senjurou chatting as they cooked - and up the stairs to the second floor.  

“My door doesn’t lock,” he said, “So we can’t get too involved. But we should at least have a little privacy before dinner.” Then he pushed his door open. 

Most of his walls were covered by bookshelves. You only managed to read a few of the titles - all of them books about historical figures - before Kyoujurou pulled you over to his bed. 

“Sit,” he said, “Make yourself comfortable!” Then he pulled down a ring binder. Opening it, he settled it on your lap. “This one is Carthage,” he said as he pointed to the first map in the collection. “And this one is Constantinople. There’s the Hagia Sophia, which was still a cathedral back then. When Constantinople fell to the Byzantine Empire in 1453, it was turned into a mosque!” 

The two of you sat for a while, leafing through the maps, Kyoujurou’s arm slowly making its way around your lower back. Then he leaned in, his lips brushing over your cheek. 

You turned your head to meet his lips. His hold around your back tightened, hand grabbing at your hip to pull you closer. Feeling the tip of his tongue brush over your lips, you opened your mouth.

“Dinner’s ready!” 

The two of you finally resurfaced, both of you gasping for breath. Kyoujurou had a dazed look on his face, his hair resembling a bird’s nest - and you were sure you looked equally as out of it.  

“‘Kay!” Kyoujurou called, his eyes never leaving yours, before he leaned in to kiss you again.

On the first day of the new school year, you and Kyoujurou resumed your shared commute. During the walk to the academy, you hooked your pinky finger with Kyoujurou’s. You knew that the school board would not look kindly on any displays of affection where the students could see you. This way made it easy to pull apart, while still touching. 

Kyoujurou turned to you, his smile as sunny as ever. “I’m really looking forward to this school year, you know! It’ll be so much more calm when I don’t have to ruminate over whether you share my feelings!!” 

You just smiled at him. Yeah, this year would definitely be so much better!

You walked down the empty halls, making your way to your next class. Stopping briefly by a window, you gazed out at the cherry trees surrounding the academy grounds. The blossoms were gone by now, soon to be replaced with leaves. You often found yourself wishing that the trees would bloom just a little bit longer; then the new students could experience arriving at the academy for the first time with the cherry blossoms still in full bloom. 

Your ears perked up when you heard Kyoujurou’s voice from one of the nearby classrooms. He was too far away for you to hear him fully, but it sounded like he was talking about his hobbies. Hiding a grin behind your hand, you moved closer to the classroom, just so you could hear him more clearly. He’d told you only last night that he liked to have an ‘ask me anything’ session with new students. ‘They’re always so curious, so it’s best to get it out of the way early!’ he’d said. 

“Alright, next!” you heard him say.

“Sensei, do you have any siblings?” a student asked. 

“I do! My younger brother attends this academy. He’s in his second year of middle school. We look exactly alike, so you can’t miss him!” 

You moved even closer, leaning against the wall opposite the door so you could see Kyoujurou through the glass. He was leaning against his desk, arms crossed. As you watched, he unfolded his arms, pointing at one of the students. 

“You!” 

“Are you in a relationship, Sensei?” 

The question unleashed a couple of titters from the students. Kyoujurou just smiled. 

“Indeed I am!” he said. 

Then, as if he knew you’d been there all along, he turned his head, looking straight at you, the air seeming to shimmer around him. 

“And she’s perfect! I couldn’t wish for anyone better!!”  

The head of one of the students popped into view. 

“The Japanese teacher?” you heard them say. “No way, you’re dating our Japanese teacher?!” 

“For how long??” someone else asked. 

Kyoujurou laughed. “Only a couple of weeks!” Turning his head to look at you again, a soft, loving smile spread over his face and he continued, “But I know that we’ll spend the rest of our lives together!”

Thank you so much for reading! Likes, comments, and reblogs are always greatly appreciated! If you like, you can check out my other works here. Love, Birin 💖​

#demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kny #kmt #kimetsu academy #fluff #romance #pining #light angst #spice #fem!reader #tw: food #tw: eating #tw: pregnancy #tw: injuries #tw: blood #tw: alcohol #tw: drinking #tw: kissing #tw: implied sex #rengoku #kyoujurou #kyojuro #kyōjurō #kyôjurô #x reader #x you #imagine #imagines

[writing-shroom]

Hi, Congratulations on getting 200 followers! You really deserved it because you have amazing works 💗 Can I have prompts 27, 38, and 44 for obanai, sanemi and kanae? You can choose how to write it :> Remember to stay healthy and safe!

Late night reunions // S. Sanemi x reader // I. Obanai x reader // K. Kanae x reader || 200 Celebration

Pairings: S. Sanemi x reader [Prompt 44] // I. Obanai x reader [Prompt 38] // K. Kanae x reader [Prompt 27]

Prompts/Summary: Waiting for your respective pillars to come home is tiring work, but nothing's better then when they eventually do come home and back into your arms. Prompts 27 + 38 + 44; Feeling for each other in the dark + Exchanging good night kisses before bed + Leaving kisses as the other’s sleeping

Words: 1,7K words

Warnings: None, just some fluffy shenanigans. (Not proof read but hey since did i do that to any of my fics)

Gender neutral reader!

a/n: some nice lil drabbles and a dash of plain old fluff (awgadhsda awww thank you sm anon! remember to stay safe too hun!)

・✿ S. Sanemi ✿・

The sun was already rising by the time Sanemi made it home, and he was exhausted.

His feet dragged across the earth leaving trails behind him, the worst part was that it rained the previous evening so now mud was caked up to his ankles. It was unbelievably uncomfortable but he couldn't care less. There was no time to waste after all, you were waiting for him.

A small grin slowly made it's way up his face as his shoulders sagged, he couldn't wait to get home.

Back into your warm embrace where it felt as though nothing bad could happen. Forcing his tired joints to pick up the pace, he made his way through the mud until he could see the familiar outline of his estate.

Finally.

Pushing past the foliage blocking his way, he got a clear view of your shared home. And unexpectedly, he also saw you fast asleep on the engawa, leaning against a beam with a blanket wrapped tightly around you.

Seeing you out in the cold air made Sanemi unconsciously quicken his pace into a jog, coming closer he squatted down to your level.

"Are you awake?" He didn't know why he asked that you were knock out cold, you didn't even react when he tucked a lock of your hair behind your ear. Sanemi scoffed to himself, of course you would fall asleep waiting for him. Fixing the blanket to wrap around you better, he reached out to coil his own arm around you and then place another under your knees, picking you up easily.

"Why did you have to stay out in the cold like that huh? You could've gotten sick," He questioned to the sleeping lump of blankets in his arms.

The wind pillar sucked in his breath when you shifted, instinctively grabbing on to the front of his uniform to keep him close to you. After you had settled in your new found position, Sanemi let out that breath he was holding and smiled softly. Moving the hand that was on your back to you lay across your shoulder instead, pushing you head gently to the side so you could lean against him.

He made a mental note to rush home on his next mission, if you stayed up like this every time he went out then he'd much rather you fall asleep warm underneath the covers with him then out in the cold night air.

"You're going to nag me about leaving dirt in the halls tomorrow morning if i don't take these off" Sanemi murmured to himself as he slipped off his sandals.

His socks were also cake with mud but most of it dried already, still unpleasant but better the dragging grime all over the estate.

"Sleep without me first darling, I'll be back soon enough." He said, laying you gently on the futon and pulled the blankets up to your chin. He chuckled a bit at your relaxed expression, skimming his thumb across your cheek lovingly. "Rest well."

Bending down Sanemi kissed you softly on your lips, being careful to not wake you up.

Pulling back slowly he watched as the corner of your lips twitch upwards in a smile, feeling a smile of his own growing he stepped back and walked quietly out the room. Wanting to get changed so he could join you as fast as possible.

・✿ K. Kanae ✿・

Shutting the door, Kanae made sure she heard the click of it closing fully. After checking in on Shinobu and Kanao she didn't want them to worry over the door being slightly ajar when they woke up.

Letting her shoulder sag with a content sigh, she was relieved to know that both her younger sisters were doing just fine.

"Kanae,,?"

Hearing the sound of her name being croaked out by a hoarse voice, she gasped in surprise. But she knew there was nothing to worry about.

"Flower? Are you home already?" Her heart melted ever so slightly at the term of endearment, a yawn quickly followed the question which made her giggle. It was clear that you just got up, probably because you heard the front door opening.

"Yes I'm here dear," She replied, spinning her heal to face a very disheveled you.

It was pitch black and your eyes struggled to adjust, trying to squint past your bed hair didn't help either. Mumbling sleepily you reached and wave your arms blindly in where you assumed Kanae was, making grabby hands at the direction her voice vaguely came from.

"Kanaeee," You whine sluggishly, drawing out the 'e' in her name. "Where are you? I can't see you right now."

Bringing a hand up to her mouth, she suppressed a giggle and sneaked her way past your out stretched arms. She ducked a little underneath them and only made herself known by wrapping her arms around your waist. Watching your eyes pop open in surprise, they were still foggy from sleep but you did your best to focus on your gorgeous girlfriend.

"Hey you," You tried saying suavely, letting your arms rest in a loop around her shoulders. But with your bed head Kanae thought you look more cute then anything else.

"Let's get you to bed okay honey?" She persuaded, not that you needed more convincing then the hand running smoothly through your locks. Humming in agreement, you yawned and melted into her embrace. Pressing sloppy kisses to her jaw from your place tucked into her shoulder.

"I love you my flower,"

"Love you too," Kanae echoed back, enjoying your warmth evolving her.

・✿ I. Obanai ✿・

Obanai stretch his arms and back a bit before rolling his neck, ridding of most of the tension in his body. After the long day of training he just had, not all of it can be dispelled so easily.

There was only one thing that he knew of that could get rid of the rest.

"Obanai?"

He and Kaburamaru perked up at the sound of your voice. Turning around just in time to see you pop you head from around the corner, the rest of your body appeared soon after.

"There you two are, hi Kaburamaru." You added, giving the aforementioned snake a nice scratch under their chin. Which they gladly accepted.

Your eyes flickered over to Obanai for a split second before you went back to the white snake around his shoulders, which was still enjoying the excellent chin scratch from you, but then you backtracked to scan your boyfriend up and down.

"Why are you still in you uniform?" Taking his hands, you placed the folded clothing in them and turned him around by his shoulders. "Go change, you should rest after a long day."

Shooing the snake pillar away, you were about to head to the kitchen to clean up before a hand tugged you back.

For a second your vision blurred as you were spun around and landed flat against a very familiar striped patterned haori. It took a moment but when you realised that he's got you pinned against his shoulders you started pouring your fists against his back, chuckling quietly as you do so.

"Obanai!" You whined, scrunching up your face as Kaburamaru peppered you in snake kisses— which was really just them blepping against your skin or booping you with their snoot. "I need to go clean up the kitchen!"

"Not yet." He insisted, pressing you flush against him, in a better circumstance this would be very cosy.

Using your elbows that were pinned against his chest, you manage to push yourself away just enough to meet his eyes.

"Alright then sir snake pillar and snake," Squinting at him, you attempted to read what he was trying to telepathically ask from you. "What is it that I have to do to escape your very comfortable trap?"

So begins a staring contest between you and Obanai, a few minutes go by and you still couldn't decipher what he wanted. He on the other hand, was thoroughly amused by how frustrated you looked— your furrowed eyebrows tells him everything.

With a click of your tongue you nearly gave in and wanted to just asked him what was wrong, but when you tilted your head to the side. You accidentally bumped your cheek against Kaburamaru's face, letting out a surprised 'oh!' you turned and was about to apologies until the gears in your mind started turning.

Staring blankly at the white snake made you finally process what they were doing the entire time, while you were busy staring into Obanai's mismatched eyes (trying to piece together his wants, albeit getting a little lost in them in the process.) Kaburamaru had been constantly giving you kisses, or at least what you presumed was their version of a kiss.

As if a lightbulb went off, you quickly realised what they both wanted.

Facing Obanai in record speed, you cupped his face and placed two kisses on his cheeks, just above where the bandages begin to hide the lower half of his face. Pulling back you quirked en eyebrow at him, "Hun, if you wanted a goodnight kiss you could've just asked?"

He hummed in satisfaction and brushed off your comment, contently closing his eyes while pressing your foreheads together.

Some else wasn't as pleased however.

Kaburamaru made their way over to Obanai and hissed something in his ear, making your boyfriend pull away from you to listen closer. Letting the two have their conversation, you leaned back and rested your hands on his biceps. While his body doesn't seem as ripped as Uzui or Sanemi for example, that didn't mean he doesn't have any muscles at all.

You couldn't help but subtly admire his toned arms underneath your finger tips, pushing down the blood rushing to your face as you felt them flex to pull you closer.

"(Y/N)?"

Clearing your throat to by you time to regain composure, you met eyes again with Obanai. "Y-Yes?"

You know he can see the slight flush in your face, and you know he knows why it's there but Obanai decides to save that to bring up later instead.

"Kaburamaru wants a goodnight kiss too," He says, angling his head toward the snake around his shoulders.

Who was waiting patiently for that kiss. You cooed at their cuteness, gently petting their scaly head before giving them a kiss of their own. "There we go,"

In thanks, they hissed happily and flickered their tongue at you, leaving one last peck on the tip of your nose. "Now go get some rest, both of you, I'll join you in a minute."

They both nodded and watched you round the corner, Obanai breathed out and felt his muscles loosen. Nothing like a sugary sweet kiss from his partner to end the day.

i think i may be a bit drained, but i shall persevere. i think my love of snake and snake boi is showing a lot in that last part, ignore that, I'm still loyal to giyuu i swear i still love him.

Don't forget to stay safe and hydrated lovelies!! I hope you all had a wonderfull day and I'll see you in the next fic :D

Do not repost, but reblogs will always be appreciated

Event closed!

☼ Masterlist ☼

#🍪200.milestone #🍪200.celebration #🍪200.event #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #demon slayer x reader #shinazugawa sanemi x reader #sanemi x reader #shinazugawa x reader #kanae kochou x reader #kanae x reader #kocho x reader #kocho kanae x reader #kanae kocho x reader #obanai iguro x reader #iguro obanai x reader #obanai x reader #iguro x reader

[qingxin-s]

༉₊˚✧ꜱʜɪɴᴏʙᴜ, ᴋᴀɴᴀᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀᴋɪ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʀᴇᴄᴋʟᴇꜱꜱ ꜰ.ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪɴᴄʟᴜᴅᴇ:

anon asked:  Hello! Blade ❤️ I was wondering if i could request head cannons for Shinobu, Daki and Kanae where their dating the reader who’s reckless and somehow always gets hurt on accident but never really says anything so they always have to keep a close eye on them?

━━━━━━━☆☆━━━━━━━

thank you for your order of (1) regular request! i hope you enjoy, and i hope you have a lovely day :)

✧˖ shinobu:

⋆ shinobu is the one of the least reckless person to exist, so when she discovers that her girlfriend was always up to trouble, she’d be extremely concerned

⋆ she was always having to clean up (Y/N)’s wounds, scolding her every single time for being so clumsy

⋆ it got to the point where shinobu had to closely follow behind (Y/N), making sure she kept out of trouble- otherwise she would face a very stern shinobu

━━━━━━━

✧˖ kanae:

⋆ this girl is usually super sweet and easy going, but as soon as (Y/N) comes home covered in bruises- it’s strict mode activated

⋆ she wouldn’t be annoyed, just more upset that (Y/N) never mentioned how much trouble she got into

⋆ so she’d make a point of walking her girlfriend around, always picking her up before she falls and reassuring her that she’s there

━━━━━━━

✧˖ daki:

⋆ daki is a very reckless person herself, but she’d be very worried about (Y/N) whenever she stumbled home covered in scratches, talking about how she climbed a tree and fell out of it

⋆ she’d make a point of sticking behind her partner whenever she went out, always coming to her rescue before she could hurt herself again

⋆ at the end of the day, she knows (Y/N) never means to get into so much trouble, so she’d go easy on her. as long as daki can keep her safe, she’s happy

[ pls reblog+follow if you enjoyed!! ]

#kny #demon slayer #kny x reader #demon slayer x reader #kny headcanons #demon slayer headcanons #kny fanfic #demon slayer fanfic #shinobu kochou #shinobu x reader #shinobu kochou x reader #kanae kochou #kanae kochou x reader #daki kny #daki demon slayer #daki kny x reader #anime #headcanons #fanfic

[lesbianrumi]

kanae + a fem s/o with a similar personality.

anonymous asked: aaaa in that case 👀 can i request hcs for kanae with a fem s/o who has a very similar personality as her (soft, mysterious, feminine, easygoing) and likes the same things (butterflies, arranging flowers) pretty please? 🦋🌸💕 (also same!!! we got literal crumbs which is a shame bc she's so sweet n beautiful ☹️️️)

here we are! the first request on this blog! kanae is lovely, so this was a blast to write 🥰 i hope these hcs are somewhat along the lines of what you were looking for, anon!!

who says only opposites attract? it’s your similarities with kanae that brought the two of you together

in the demon slayer corps, those with a bright and easygoing outlook tend to be few and far in between; it’s difficult for people to hold onto their optimism, their softness, when exposed to so much bloodshed and death

for you and kanae, that’s all the more reason to keep looking at the bright side!

of course, there are times when one of you finds yourself drained, unable to be as happy-go-lucky as you usually are. the other will step in to provide comfort; you brew kanae tea and sit on the veranda with her, telling cheesy jokes to make her smile. kanae takes you out to see the butterflies with shinbou and the girls, the two of you walking hand in hand while the others run around and do their own thing

speaking of shinobu, she doesn’t like you at first. it’s nothing against you, just that she doesn’t believe anyone is worthy of her older sister. you don’t give up though, spending time with her when you’re free in the hopes of growing closer to her

it works, in the end; shinobu won’t admit it to your face, but she actually likes you. the fact that you’re so similar to kanae doesn’t escape her notice, and endears you to her. kanae notices that her sister is warming up to you, and is giddy beyond belief that you two are getting along!

as busy with your duties as the two of you are, you make it a point to spend time together when you can. you’ll take walks together while admiring the insects and flowers, sample food from street vendors, train with each other, and so forth

even when you can’t meet, you and kanae keep in touch. you’ll write letters to each other, pressing a flower or two within the pages, and send it with your crows; you get well acquainted with kanae’s crow, feeding it seeds and ruffling its feathers affectionately when it appears with a letter tied to its ankle

originally, you don’t understand kanae’s dream of humans and demons living side by side in peace, but as you discuss it more, you gain more of an appreciation for her wish. maybe you don’t believe it’s possible, but you find her optimistic vision refreshing and admirable

the two of you don’t need to be similar in every way; just as you love the things you have in common with your lover, you grow to love even the things you’re on opposing sides of

#kny x reader #demon slayer x reader #kny imagines #kanae x reader #kanae kochou x reader #kimetsu no yaiba #kochou kanae #m writes

[lesbianshinobus]

fluff alphabet Q, V, W, X, Y and Z for kanae?

quirk — some random ability they have that’s beneficial in a relationship.

Kanae has a lovely singing voice. She’s not professional-level talented or anything, but she can carry a tune. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, she’ll gently guide your head into her lap and sing softly to you, likely a lullaby her mother would sing to her and Shinobu.

value — how important is the relationship to them? what is it’s worth in comparison to other things in their life?

Extremely important. She takes her bonds with those closest to her seriously. You’re as important to her as Shinobu and the butterfly girls. As for whether you’re above her desire to kill demons, so no one has to go through what she and Shinobu did ever again…well, you know how important that is to her, and you’d never ask her to choose. It’s likely that you’re part of the Demon Slayer Corps in some capacity yourself, so you have a similar drive, anyway.

wild card — a random fluff headcanon.

Kanae often invites you to stay over at the Butterfly Estate, and in the mornings, you’ll help her, Shinobu, and the butterfly girls cook breakfast. They usually prepare it as a group, before eating together and distributing it to the patients and other staff. The kitchen is filled with your overlapping voices and laughter as all of you make the meal while chatting lightly about anything and everything. She loves seeing you interact her sisters, blood-related and adopted, and is delighted that you get along so well with them.

xoxo — are they very affectionate? do they love to kiss and cuddle?

You bet she is! She’s pretty clingy once the two of you are in a relationship. Whenever she’s around, expect her to touch you in some way or another, whether she’s intertwining your fingers or just resting her head on your shoulder. It’s subconscious, too; usually, she doesn’t even realize that she’s reaching out for you. She might be deep in thought before realizing that, at some point, she had reached out to trace circles on the back of your hand with a thumb.

yearning — how will they cope when they’re missing their partner?

She’ll be lost in thought a lot, wondering what you’re doing right now, and gaze off into the distance while sighing deeply. She whines about how much she misses you to whoever’s nearby, which tends to be her sister. It irritates Shinobu, who doesn’t get her lovelorn behaviour. It’s only been a few days since Kanae saw you last, why is she so distressed? When Kanae sees you next, she’ll immediately pull you close and wax poetic about how lonely it was without you.

zeal — are they willing to go great lengths for the relationship? if so, what kind?

When Kanae falls in love, she loves deeply. This woman is ready to lay her life down for you if need be. Name it, and she’ll do whatever it is in a heartbeat, just because you asked. There’s very little she wouldn’t do, honestly; she’s smitten.

#kny x reader #demon slayer x reader #kny imagines #kny headcanons #kanae x reader #kanae kochou x reader #kochou kanae x reader #kny scenarios #kimetsu no yaiba #kochou kanae #anonymous #m answers #m writes

[heyiwrotesomethings]

Unfair

Kanae Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: The request for this fic was along the lines of Zenitsu finding out that his sister has been dating Kanae and gets jealous. I hope you like it, thank you for reading! Word Count: 938

Zenitsu was not in a good mood.

After being cursed out of the kitchen by Shinobu and Aoi for only trying to help them by kneading the lumps of bread dough they had been working on from behind them, and then getting the wind knocked out of him by Inosuke during a surprise training that he did not agree too, mind you, he was looking for his sister to complain about how unfairly he was being treated.

This added to his fowl mood because he couldn’t find her anywhere. She wasn’t on a mission. She would have told him before she left if that was the case. So where the hell was she? Some big sister she was. Now if he had a sister like Kanae, that would be amazing. Her warmth and kindness was wasted on someone as bitter and snarky as Shinobu could be.

But then again, Zenitsu giggled to himself, Kanae would make a good girlfriend too. So beautiful, graceful and strong…

Zenitsu broke away from his musings when he heard murmurs of quiet conversation deeper within the flower garden. Probably too quiet for the average person to notice, but for Zenitsu it was perfectly clear.

So that’s where his sister had been all of this time. She was with Kanae too, a bonus. It would be so nice if (Y/n) got along with her possible future sister-in-law. Zenitsu hummed to himself, pleased.

“Onee-chan!” He called as he skipped though the blooms, all to happy to insert himself into whatever hushed conversation they were currently engaged in.

When he reached the tranquil center of the garden, he shrieked, causing every bird within a ten mile radius to scatter.

(Y/n) pulled back and quickly whipped her head around to face her brother, a near mortified look on her face at being caught locking lips. Kanae sat up more slowly, her expression was caught between amusement and confusion at Zenitsu’s sudden appearance.

“What are you doing?!” Zenitsu demanded shrilly, pointing an accusatory finger in his sister’s face.

(Y/n) flapped her lips, barely able to get a single sound out after the rude and frighteningly loud interruption of an otherwise perfect moment. She flinched slightly when Kanae’s hand came to rest atop hers, but slowly relaxed as Kanae’s thumb worked over her skin.

“Zenitsu-kun, good afternoon!” Kanae beamed, “We were just enjoying the good weather.”

It seemed to Zenitsu that they were enjoying something a little different, actually. He continued to stare daggers into his sister.

“How long has this been going on?! Huh?!”

Having had a little more time to gather her thoughts, (Y/n) smiled sheepishly as she answered.

“…About a month.”

“A month?!” He screeched, (Y/n) was concerned for the state of his vocal chords, “You’ve been kissing Kanae-san behind my back for a month? Why didn’t you tell me?”

(Y/n) looked Zenitsu up and down, “Your reaction just now pretty much sums that up.”

“This is so unfair!“ Zenitsu cried, quite literally, and flopped to his knees, face planting into his sister’s lap. As mad as he was, she was still his number one source of comfort.

“Leave some girls for me, why don’t you!” He demanded while snotting all over her pants.

“Um, I did? Kanae is the only person I’m dating.” (Y/n) shuddered at the warm, damp spot forming on her knee. Some things never changed it seemed. Still as wet and sloppy as he was when he was a baby. She petted his hair sympathetically.

“Kanae-san counts as at least ten girls and you know it!” He sobbed. “You are a terrible big sister! The worst! How dare you share the same blood as me!”

“Oh dear,” Kanae chuckled, “Zenitsu-kun, don’t be so hard on your sister, hm?”

Zenitsu scrunched up his face and shook his head against (Y/n)’s thigh, causing her to release a grossed-out groan. Good.

“I’m sorry to say I’m already quite attached to (Y/n), but I’m sure you’ll find your match one day as well.” Kanae added, trying to be helpful, surely. “But you have so many sisters now! Isn’t that grand?”

“But we aren’t married.” (Y/n) flustered. They’ve only been together a month and Kanae was already considering marriage?

“Not married yet.” Kanae corrected before continuing on, “You’ll have me, Shinobu, Kanao, Aoi, Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho as your sisters-in-law. Won’t that be nice? A big happy family.” She clapped her hands together and cutely tilted her head to the side. (Y/n) couldn’t help but smile tenderly at her.

Zenitsu let out a noncommittal grunt, too tired from his previous screaming to give much more of a reaction. Maybe Kanae didn’t count as ten girls, but she for sure counted for at least seven. Perhaps he jinxed himself by thinking that Kanae was a better sister…

“So unfair…” He whined again.

(Y/n) sighed.

“How about we go into town tomorrow and I’ll take you to that food stand that specializes in eel dishes that you like so much?”

Zenitsu slowly turned his head to peek up at his sister. He did like eel… hes sniffled loudly and sat up, wiping his face on his sleeve before nodding.

“Will you buy me sweets too?”

“Fine…”

“My, such a doting sister you are.” Kanae teased.

“And you aren’t?”

“You’ve got me there!”

Zenitsu pouted up at (Y/n) and Kanae from the ground as they bantered. This would know doubt continue to sting for awhile, but to see how his sister’s eyes shined so brightly did feel kind of nice. Make no mistake, he was still going to be petty. At least until he got tired of eating fried eel.

#demon slayer oneshots #kny oneshots #demon slayer x reader #kny x reader #kanae kochou x reader #kanae kocho x reader #kanae x reader #kanae kochou #kanae kocho #requests #anonymous

[dumbdemonslayertexts]

kimetsu characters watching their black fem s/o take down/install protective styles:

enthralled:

kyōjurō (you have never heard so much excitement and so many questions. grinning as brightly as ever, sitting beside you with his arms crossed. as much as he loves how perfect your natural hair is, he is so impressed that you can make such beautiful and unique styles! "you possess such talent, my love!"),

tengen (bragging on how flamboyant you two will look after he does your makeup and dresses you. "perfect eye candy. you are, princess". squeezing you kissing your cheek randomly the whole time)

douma (clapping in excitement he is a dumb. "oooo, how will you be doing it???" you can switch the colors, too?? even to mine??! LET'S MATCH, DOVE!!" honestly he's ready to worship you by the time he sees the concept forming)

tanjirou (i mean of course.),

zenitsu (of courser. he's squealing and swooning the entire time, passes out cold seeing the final product.),

mitsuri (a doting, sweet, loving mess, cuddling and so excited about how pretty you'll look),

kanae (she's your cheerleader for everything)

helpful:

akaza, sabito (rubs your hands and neck afterward, pulls you to him and growls how sexy you look and how beautiful you are into your neck throughout the entire next week and every day pretty much),

tanjirou (clean up crew, the most wholesome compliments and making dinner),

gyomei (insists on you lying down after as well, so he can hold you and smell you. he adores the scents of your products),

sanemi (it's a mf photoshoot after you're done bc that's his mf GIRL.),

shinobu, nezuko,

mitsuri, kanae (both want to take you out and show you off immediately after)

(i would say kyō and zenitsu but they would be too fascinated and curious, kyō talking too much, zenitsu would be afraid to mess up or hurt you)

silently fascinated:

kokushibou (probably the widest you ever seen his eyes, and the most childishly awed as you will ever see him. still in dignified poise though, he's committing everything to memory. not often that he gets this way, honestly.)

muichiro (would ask questions v sporadically, mostly likes seeing you in such concentration and getting to sit with you quietly for long periods),

obanai (probably taking notes for things to purchase for you, making little complimentary comments while you work. tells you to take a rest for a while when he sees your arms getting tired and sore. "don't push yourself. i'm in no hurry" like he is a totally different person and it's adorable),

sanemi (at first before helping. clicks his tongue and yanks your arms down when they start shaking. "who are you trying to impress, dumbass. you're already doing shit i could never do-- take a fucking break, you haven't even eaten all damn day.),

nezuko (bc she got bamboo in her mouth),

inosuke (for exactly 2 seconds, mouth agape and all),

kanao, giyuu, yoriichi

getting on your MF nerves:

inosuke (yelling "how do you do that!?" "you have this many... hair?! i'm stronger than you, why do you get more hair! GIVE ME HAIR! WHERE IS IT!", then touching shit he has no business),

tengen (a dumbass. gets upset that it's taking so long and you aren't paying more attention to him),

gyuutaro (won't shut up but it's flattering stuff and endearing),

muzan (insisting he pay someone else to do this for you. bc. tf. why are you laboring)

giyuu (stares far too intensely, somehow makes the silence louder. won't stop being socially inept as hell)

whining for you to do theirs:

daki, mitsuri, douma

#kny imagines #demon slayer imagines #kanae kochou #rengoku kyojuro x reader #giyuu tomioka x reader #tengen uzui x reader #obanai iguro x reader #zenitsu x reader #tanjirou kamado x reader #inosuke x reader #douma x reader #akaza x reader #muzan x reader #gyomei x reader #mitsuri x reader #shinobu x reader #muichiro x reader #daki x reader #gyuutarou x reader #black reader #demon slayer x reader #demon slayer x poc reader #anime x black!reader #black!reader

[serodev]

Heyo Sero, i hope everything is well. Gonna try to go for a funny little request on this one. Could I request Kanae, Rengoku, and Giyuu (separately) just walking around enjoying a calm night and then there S/O comes flying out of a bar window where a big pub fight is going on

Warnings: None!

Pairing: Kanae, Rengoku, and Giyuu x gn!reader

Note(s): It's good to see you!! Your request reminds me of this one scene in RDR2 where the main character causes a bar fight asjdhkas. Anyway, I hope you enjoy these headcanons!

Kanae

» Kanae is a pretty relaxed and laid-back woman, but this is the time when she truly gets surprised! The sight is kind of cute in its own way if her expression didn't turn into concern.

» She's genuinely worried about you because glass can be pretty dangerous! Especially when someone flies through it! Thankfully she has some experience in giving first-aid, so you get bandaged up pretty quickly.

» It's still clear that Kanae isn't too amused by this situation, and she might say something about being disappointed in you if you're the one who caused the fight.

» Thankfully for you, though, it's easy to get her to forgive you by giving her a good kiss on the lips and promising to not do this again.

Rengoku

» I don't know why, but I can see Rengoku as a man whose first reaction is to laugh at you, especially because the fact that you just came flying through the window was kind of amusing!

» Of course, he's also worried about you, so the first thing he does is to check for any significant wounds, but if you seem to be fine, he's going to ask about this situation. He has never walked in on something like this, so he's honestly surprised!

» You might get a pat on the back if Rengoku finds out that you were the one who started the fight, and he's going to tell you to stay away from situations like these because even though he found this funny, he didn't want you to get hurt.

» After all, he cares about his significant other, and he wants you to be safe.

Giyuu

» Giyuu is... Honestly, he's just confused because all he wanted to do was to take a calm walk around the town, but you decided to change things up.

» You actually remind him of Tanjiro at that moment, even though that brunet isn't getting himself into bar fights as you seem to do! However, he didn't stay still for a long time as he wanted to check if you were okay.

» When you seem to be fine, apart from minor scratches and bruises from the fight itself, he's going to sight quietly. It's so clear that he's not proud of you...

» "Y/n... What were you thinking?" Is going to be one of the first questions you're going to hear from him because he can't understand your thought process at all. Really? Being in a bar fight?

Author's note: I hope you enjoyed these headcanons! It's really nice to see your profile picture once in a while haha

#kanae kochou #kanae kocho #kny kanae #kanae x y/n #kanae x reader #kanae x you #kyojuro rengoku #rengoku kyojurou #kny rengoku #rengoku kyojuro #rengoku #rengoku x you #rengoku x y/n #rengoku x reader #tomioka giyuu #giyuu tomioka #giyu tomioka #kny giyuu #giyuu x reader #giyuu x y/n #giyuu x you #kny x y/n #kny x you #kny x oc #kny x reader #kny #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #sero writes #pillars

[5p7lyy]

𝗙𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺 : 「𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧」

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 : 「𝙁𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙨/𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨」

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 : 「𝙆𝙉𝙔 𝙁𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙨/𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙭 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 — 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪」

[𝙍𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩 : 𝙉𝙤𝙣𝙚 — ☺︎︎ ]

𝗙𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 ♡´･ᴗ･`♡

Kocho Shinobu

ー　you were one of Kanae's friends within the Demon Slayer Corps

ー　both you and Kanae trained Shinobu and Kanao

ー　when Kanae died, you were entrusted with taking care of everyone in the Butterfly Mansion

ー　from the time Kanae introduced you, Shinobu immediately idolized you, not only as a Hashira but as a good friend to the Kocho family

ー　knowing Shinobu at such a young age and seeing her grow to be by your side as a Hashira made you feel so proud

Kanroji Mitsuri

ー　you two first met at a small district near tokyo

ー　on her way back from a completed mission, mitsuri decided to bring home some food

ー　she saw your family restaurant and let's just say, she almost ate the whole store

ー　"a demon hunter, you must be hungry." the restaurant was about to close and mitsuri was the only customer left so you decided to accompany her while your family starts closing up

ー　 "your cooking is the best (name)-chan!!" she praised while there was still food in her mouth

ー　You were awkward but she was very humble and nice , she introduced herself and asked about what you like .

ー　You felt happy that you found a friend that is kind like her and she would come visit the resraurant sometimes

Kocho Kanae

You met her by saving you during a mission , and she let you be her assistant after discovering your high intelligence and courage

She let you stay at the butterfly estate , and you help the girls there and the patients , and sometime help as a nurse if one of the sisters are gone on a mission

She always talks about how adorable you are or cute , or how hardworking you are , and takes shopping

Buys you amythings and her excuse is always ’𝗜’𝘁𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 , 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲’

You just think of her as an angel that saved from a demon and would always be in her debt and always try to repay it by your hard work

𝙁𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙁𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙨/𝙥𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 (•̀ᴗ•́)و

’^’ 𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨 ☺︎︎ ’^'

☀︎︎☘︎︎☀︎︎ 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙜 ☀︎︎☘︎︎☀︎︎

#demon slayer #shinobu kochou #mitsuri kanjiro #kanae kocho #x reader #reader insert #gender neutral reader #fluff #headcanon

[ransprang]

For the event..

Kanae Kocho + “All the things she said” by t.A.T.u <3

Kanae Kocho - All the things she said by t.A.T.u

500 follower event - characters reacting to songs

- Kanae has a pleasant & empty good girl brain. So she wouldn't be able to relate to the song

- She probably would not listen to this on repeat

- She'd think that maybe Shinobu would be more into this song so she introduces it to Shinobu

Link to song

your good girl,

admin sav

#kanae kocho x reader #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #demon slayer x reader #kimetsu no yaiba scenarios #demon slayer scenarios #anime #demon slayer #kny #kanae x reader #kanae kochou #kny imagines #kny x reader #demon slayer headcanons #demon slayer fanfic #demonslayer

[arearasunn]

Kanae Kocho as your girlfriend.

I had a Yui bot from Discord choose between her crushing on you or you being her s/o & Yui choose her being your girlfriend! Enjoy! Also draft.

▪︎ I haven’t done shit like this before but Kanae as your girlfriend?? Ok now THAT’S CUTE!

▪︎ She’d show you off so get ready to be embarrassed.

▪︎ She’s never leaving your side & I mean it unless you want her to give you some space or she has work to do.

▪︎ “You know what Shinbou? You & y/n have such sweet smiles!” 

▪︎ She loves to listen to you.

▪︎ Conset teaser.

▪︎ Asks you for help w Kanao. (She probably did that to you as her crush.)

▪︎ When she died she wondered how you'd react.. aw.

#demon slayer x reader #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #kny x reader #kanae x reader #kanae kochou #demon slayer kanae