Previously on Chapter 5

I turn my head to look over my shoulder as he keeps on walking without stopping nor looking back. I let out a sigh and run my hand through my hair. I should have known that even though some may be able to accept the fact that I'm a half-demon, there will still be people who hates me for what I am. But I'm kinda used to it now. It's basically what I had been through as a child. Even so... it still hurts.

-Improvements-

Y/N P.O.V

Everyday, I would observe Kamado's improvements on his training. He seems determined to get stronger. Which makes me feel proud of him. So far, I can see that he's slowly improving. His speed and strength are better compare to the first day he started his training.

I watch as Kamado drops on the ground while breathing heavily. I jump down from the tree and make my way to him. I place my hands on my knees as I lower my body down.

"Don't force it. Get some rest in between..." I said. He opens his eyes after regaining his breathing to look at me. I move to sit down across from him. "Now come on... I'll help teach you a proper breathing control" I said. He sits up and copies my position. I place my hands in front of him. "You can try to meditate while maintaining a slow and steady breathing pattern. Go on and try it yourself" I said. I close my eyes and starts to meditate.

Tanjiro P.O.V

L/N-San closes her eyes as she starts to meditate. But I can't seem to focus on my own meditation. I always seem to want to open my eyes so I can take a look at L/N-San. I don't know what came over me. But something about her intrigued me.

"You're suppose to meditate, Kamado... not stare at me" she suddenly said, making me flinched at her comment. She have her eyes close but she's aware of what I'm doing. Her senses are so sharp!

She slowly open her eyes to look at me. "Ah.. I uhh... s-sorry" I stuttered out. I quickly closes my eyes and try to meditate. But I still can't seem to focus. I open one eye, only to open both of them when I realize L/N-San is not around. "Eh, L/N-San?" I said, looking around the area, but I can't seem to spot her anywhere.

I let out a sigh and drop my position, placing both of my hands on my knees. I can't focus on anything with L/N-San around. I'm not sure why. I just can't seem to get her out of my head.

What's happening to me?

***

Y/N P.O.V

Months have passed since the three of them begun their training. All three of them have became significantly stronger compare to the first day they got here. Now I just have to test out of Kamado is strong enough to beat me.

"Do you think you're ready?" I asked, as I stand in front of Kamado inside the training room. He gives me a look of confidence, which makes me give him a small smile. I nod my head and gesture him to advance. Just like the first time, I place my hands behind my back acting only on defense while Kamado will try to knock me down.

He lunges at me, I duck and side step to avoid his attack. I turn around to face him with my hands behind my back. "Good try... but still not enough. Come on, I'm sure you can do better than that" I said. His knuckles turns white as he clutch the bokken tightly. "You won't get anywhere by letting yourself get frustrated. Instead of focusing on the anger... focus more on your breathing" I said.

He closes his eyes and take a deep breath. He opens his eyes with determination. He lunges forward and attack me. My lips twitch a little as he starts to gain more speed.

He swings his bokken at me. I focus all my body on my toes, leaning my body back. I do a flip and swiftly land on my feet. "You're significantly fast, Kamado... you should try to focus more" I said. He nods his head at what I said.

Kamado makes an unexpected move, which makes me lose my footing. As a result, Kamado and I collide into one another. I shut my eyes tightly, bracing myself for the impact as my body near the ground. But at the last second, I feel a hand on the back of my head. The hand acts as a cushion, preventing me from hitting my head on the floor.

I open my eyes only to stare into a pair of red eyes. My eyes widened as Kamado is the one holding my head so I don't slam it on the ground. Both of our faces are leaning so close to each other.

I clear my throat as I snap out of my daze. He quickly get off me and sits up. I move my body into a sitting position as I avoid eye-contact with Kamado. This is so awkward. I have never been in a situation like this before. For some reason, it makes my heart race like crazy.

"Anyway, you've improved greatly, Kamado. You have beaten Kanao in reflex training and tag. Now you even managed to catch me by surprise and knock me down. I think you're ready for the final step" I said. He blinks his eyes a few times before he starts to grin widely.

"You really think so?" He asked. I just give him a small smile and nod my head. "Yes!! Thank you, L/N-San!!" He cheered excitedly, rushing towards me as he throws his arms around me. I flinch at his sudden action as he hugs me tightly.

The feeling of his arms around me brought me a sense of warmth. His hug felt homey. It's been years since I felt it. The last time I felt like home just from a hug was the hugs from my mother. Sure, Mitsuri would hug me every now and then, but her hugs doesn't give me that feeling. So why do I feel it when Kamado hugged me? Why am I feeling this way?

*to be continued*