Obanai finally reached Sanemi's Estate, knocking on the door loudly.

"Shinazugawa! Open the damn door! We need to talk!"

There was no response.

"Are you still sleeping?"
Obanai forced the door open, but to his surprise, there was no one there.

"What...?"
He muttered softly, looking around.

"Where did he..?"
He walked out, searching for him everywhere.

He's not on a mission, is he?"
He questioned, walking along the roads, trying to find his comrade.

Just... just where is that dipshit...
He sighed helplessly.

___________________________________________

"Where are you going, Tanjiro?"
Zenitsu was sitting on the bed in the Butterfly Mansion, rubbing his eyelids as he found Tanjiro getting up.

Tanjiro looked at him, a warm smile on his face.

"Just on a walk..."
He stretched his arms.

"B-But we're not recovered yet-"
Zenitsu was interrupted.

"I know... Just..."
Tanjiro leaned closer.

"Just don't tell Aoi-San..."

Zenitsu sighed.
"I'll pretend I did not see you walk out of here."

Tanjiro smiled wide.
"Thanks!"

___________________________________________

The crisp, cold air filled Tanjiro's lungs as he stepped out of the Butterfly Mansion.

What an amazing weather!
He smiled, exhaling softly.

Each breath formed a small cloud that dissipated quickly in the cold air.

His steps crunched rhythmically on the freshly fallen snow, the only sound in the tranquil stillness.

He looked up at the sky, his mind in a relaxed state.

"It's been a while since I've seen Tomioka-San... He was so hurt back when Shinazugawa-San got injured..."
Tanjiro hummed softly, looking at his footsteps.

"That's how love feels like... Hm?"
He looked at the sky again, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"You care about them way too much..."

His footsteps were the only sounds in the silent snowy path. He didn't even realise it, but soon found himself walking towards Giyuu's place.

After having passed a few trees and bushes, he reached the pathway to Giyuu's Estate. The Bamboos and the forest-like atmosphere, it was definitely comforting.

In an instant, his eyes bulged at a weird smell floating around in the air, lingering in his nose.

With genuine curiosity, he followed the faint smell which grew stronger with each step he took.

What's with this strange smell...?
He wondered, his steps quickening in pace.

He walked faster, the smell growing stronger as well.

As soon as the faint smell turned into a full-blown stench, he was already in front of Giyuu's door.

"T-Tomioka-San?"
He knocked on the door, waiting patiently for a response.

Giyuu's eyes widened. He didn't want to answer the door, but he knew he had to. After a while, he walked out of the door.

"Tanjiro...? What's with you here this morning?"
He asked, frowning a little.

Tanjiro swallowed hard, his face pale.

Tomioka-San seems angry, sad and hurt at the same time... What's with this weird combination!?

"A-Ah... It's been a while, hasn't it? It's good to see you, good morning! Tomioka-San!"
He forced a smile.

Giyuu didn't seem to reply, but he still stepped aside to let Tanjiro in.

Something's definitely up with Tomioka-San... He is giving off the scariest energy!
Tanjiro slowly stepped in, looking around.

"I'll get you tea..."
Giyuu went to kitchen, leaving Tanjiro alone with his thoughts.

Should I ask him about it?
Tanjiro wondered.

Giyuu soon came back, sitting down next to Tanjiro.

"...What's with the sudden visit?"
He asked, looking at his own hands.

"I just felt like seeing you..."
Tanjiro sipped the tea, taking in the sight of the anxious Giyuu.

Yep, there's definitely something wrong... Tomioka-San doesn't act this way...

"...Is something the matter?"
After a minute of complete silence, he slid the question in.

"What?"
Giyuu turned to look at Tanjiro, his eyes narrowing.

"You seem worried, is something bothering you?"
Tanjiro smiled warmly, trying to seem as approachable as possible.

Giyuu looked a little tensed, but he hid it quickly.

"It's nothing..."
He muttered quietly.

"It's Shinazugawa..."
Kanzaburou flew into the room.

Giyuu's eyes widened at the mention of the name.

"Shut it."
He glared at the crow.

Tanjiro looked at Giyuu, his eyes widening.

"Shinazugawa-San?"
He questioned, his gaze fixed onto Giyuu.

Giyuu kept quiet, his gaze on the floor.

Tanjiro gasped softly.
"D-Did he do something...?"

"Nothing... It's nothing, I told you!"
Giyuu snapped.

Tomioka-San seems angrier than before! This is not good...
Tanjiro gulped, forcing a smile.

Giyuu's heartbeat was extremely fast now. He breathed heavily, holding his heart.

"T-Tomioka-San... Are you okay?"
Tanjiro looked at him with concern.

What the fuck!? Why does his name trigger me! I hate this feeling... What's wrong with me!?
Giyuu held his head with frustration.

"Go away!"
He blurted out, trying to send those feelings, far away from him.

Though he knew, that deep down, he could never forget Sanemi. He remembered his smiling face, his heart shattering down.

"I love you, Tomioka..."
That voice... He wished to hear it again, just for once.

"Tomioka-San?"
Tanjiro leaned closer.

"You don't look okay..."
He muttered softly, his heart racing.

Giyuu realised he snapped at Tanjiro. He looked at him, regret washing over him.

"T-Tanjiro... I'm sorry, I'm just having a bad day... And that Sanemi... This is too much for me.... Could you go away, we'll talk later?"

"Y-Yeah, of course!"
Tanjiro replied.

Giyuu nodded, sending him away.

As soon as he closed the door, he sat on the floor, holding his head. He was anxious, breathing heavily until there was another visitor at his place...

___________________________________________

Short chapter, I know.

It's finally October!!! My exams are over now, and I can finally finish this book😭😭😭

Thankss for supporting me so far!

I love you guys, very much.

Thank you once again.

Here's a picture I found on my sanegiyuu hunt:

AWW I CAN'T-😭💚💙🎀✨

Anyways, gotta write the next chapter, bye!!

🍩🩷