As I made my way through the Ubuyashiki estate, I heard the familiar sound of boots crunching against the stone pathway behind me. I stopped, already sensing who it was before I even turned around.
Sanemi Shinazugawa.
The Wind Hashira. The man who had been openly hostile to me since our first meeting. The one who always glared at me as if he wanted to cut me down where I stood.
And yet, here he was, standing a few steps behind me, looking... hesitant.
That alone was surprising enough to make me turn fully toward him, arms crossed.
"What's up?" I asked casually.
Sanemi's jaw tightened, as if he were struggling to find the right words. His usual scowl was in place, but there was something different about it this time. Less anger, more... restraint.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke.
"…Thanks."
I blinked.
Did I just hear that right?
"Come again?" I tilted my head slightly, thinking I had misheard him.
Sanemi's frown deepened. He looked like he wanted to punch me, but instead, he exhaled sharply and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I said thanks," he muttered. "For healing, Ubuyashiki-sama. For giving him... a life."
I stared at him. I had expected a lot of things from Sanemi. More glares, maybe a few insults, even a threat or two. But gratitude? That was new.
"You're thanking me?" I asked, making sure I wasn't hallucinating.
"Tch." He clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Don't make me repeat myself, bastard."
I chuckled. "Wow. I never thought I'd see the day."
He scoffed. "Don't get the wrong idea. I still don't like you."
"There it is," I said, smirking. "Thought for a second you were going soft on me."
Sanemi glared. "I just… I know what it's like to lose family. If there was someone who could've saved my little brother back then, I—" He cut himself off, jaw-clenching. "Whatever. Just don't expect me to start treating you like a friend or anything."
I looked at him for a moment before shrugging. "I didn't expect you to. But still, I'll take the thanks."
Sanemi grunted. "Good."
Then, as if realizing he had reached his limit of sincerity for the day, he turned on his heel. "Just don't screw things up before you leave."
With that, he walked away, his usual rough attitude back in full force.
I stood there for a moment, watching him go, before shaking my head with a small grin.
Huh.
Guess even Sanemi had his moments.
•••
As I walked into the Butterfly Mansion, I spotted Nezuko and Aoi talking near the entrance.
Nezuko, now fully human, looked different—more mature but still carrying that same warmth in her expression. However, the moment she saw me, her eyes widened, and she quickly ducked behind Aoi, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red.
I raised an eyebrow at her reaction. Even though she wasn't as adorable as she had been when she was a demon—mumbling words and patting my head—she was still undeniably cute.
Aoi, on the other hand, didn't react the same way. She looked at me, and there was something in her expression that I didn't quite expect. A mix of sadness and... disappointment?
"Is it true?" Aoi finally asked, her voice quieter than usual.
I tilted my head slightly. "Is what true?"
Aoi's lips pressed into a thin line before she spoke again. "That you're leaving. That you're going to another world."
Ah. So she already heard.
Before I could answer, I noticed movement behind her. Nezuko peeked out cautiously, her eyes big and filled with emotion. The moment she heard the words 'leaving,' I saw tears begin to well up in her eyes.
Aoi must have noticed it too because she sighed, stepping aside just a little, giving Nezuko a clearer view of me.
I smiled slightly. "It's true that I'm going to another world, but I never said I'm disappearing forever."
Nezuko sniffled. "But... but you're going..."
I took a step closer and gently ruffled her hair. "I made a permanent portal. You can visit me anytime you want."
Her teary eyes blinked up at me in surprise. "Really?"
"Really," I confirmed with a nod. "Anytime you or Aoi—or anyone else—wants to see me, you can."
Nezuko wiped at her eyes with the back of her sleeve, sniffling. A moment later, she launched herself forward, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.
"Don't go for too long," she mumbled into my chest.
I chuckled, patting her head. "I won't."
Aoi, who had been watching silently, let out a small sigh. "You really are impossible."
I turned my attention to her. "Why? Because I'm leaving or because I always have a way to come back?"
She crossed her arms. "Both."
I grinned. "Well, if you miss me that much, you could always come visit, too."
Aoi scoffed, but there was the faintest hint of a smile on her lips. "Don't get ahead of yourself."
Nezuko finally pulled away, her eyes a little puffy from the near-tears, but her smile now brighter. "Promise?"
I placed a hand over my chest. "Promise."
"Well, I will going, " I said.
"Wait, can you wait in your room, I have something I need to give you." Aoi said.
"What's that?" I raised my eyebrows.
"It's a surprise," Aoi said.
~~~
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