"Hello, that's a side story. Love, Moaz x Shinobu is better than Tomioka the fool. That's a side story about their future relationship and how love grows between two people who understand each other"
"The sky was clear above the Butterfly Mansion. Shinobu Kocho was inside her laboratory, working and writing reports as part of her daily routine—especially after she had begun supervising the training and rehabilitation of the seven Egyptians, along with Tanjiro and his companions."
[While Shinobu is working, she hears a light knock on the door. Calmly, she speaks:]
Shinobu:Come in.
[A young man in his early twenties enters quietly. He has soft black hair reaching the nape of his neck and wears the Demon Slayer Corps uniform with silver buttons. A small smile rests on his lips—it is Moaz.]
Moaz:
Hello, Shinobu-san.
[His voice is calm and gentle. Shinobu smiles politely and looks at him, letting out a soft hum.]
Shinobu:
What brings you here, Moaz-kun?
[Moaz smiles, rubbing the back of his neck shyly before answering.]
Moaz:
I thought… maybe you might need something?
[Shinobu tilts her head slightly in curiosity.]
Shinobu:
Need something?
[Moaz grows more embarrassed, still standing as he looks at her.]
Moaz:
I mean… maybe some rest time… or getting to know each other… or just talking?
[Shinobu is slightly surprised by his request. She isn't used to this, but she smiles.]
Shinobu:
Alright. There's no problem with getting to know each other. I'd like to learn more about you.
[Shinobu stands up and begins walking out of the room. Her butterfly hairpin gently flutters as she walks beside Moaz. With a calm voice, she hums softly.]
Shinobu:
So, tell me more about yourself, Moaz-kun.
[Moaz walks beside her, hands behind his back, clearly shy but trying to stay composed.]
Moaz:
Well… um… what exactly would you like to know?
[Shinobu laughs lightly, her eyes playful.]
Shinobu:
Hmm♡ Tell me about yourself—your hobbies and skills.
[Moaz scratches his neck and takes a deep breath.]
Moaz:
Alright. My name is Moaz, I'm nineteen years old. I like meditation, reading, and sometimes playing music. My hobbies are… sports and singing.
[Shinobu's eyes widen slightly, and she laughs softly.]
Shinobu:
Singing? How cute, Moaz-kun. And you're a year older than me, despite your gentle appearance.
[Moaz smiles shyly and shrugs.]
Moaz:
You can call me whatever you like.
[Shinobu laughs and lightly taps his shoulder.]
Shinobu:
Hmm, I'll keep calling you Moaz-kun. Now, tell me—how many forms does Shadow Breathing have so far?
[Moaz takes a deep breath to calm himself, smiling.]
Moaz:
Currently, five original forms. I'm still developing it.
[Shinobu leans slightly closer as they walk.]
Shinobu:
Interesting. You have strong willpower. May I ask you something?
[Moaz nods, as usual looking away shyly.]
Moaz:
Yes.
[Shinobu focuses on his neck, narrowing her eyes.]
Shinobu:
That knife scar… it's very clear. It's old—and painful, isn't it, Moaz-kun?
[Moaz tenses, instinctively covering his neck.]
Moaz:
An old injury, haha… nothing to worry about.
[Shinobu sighs and suddenly pulls his ear.]
Shinobu:
Moaz-kun, don't lie. Your right hand also has old fractures. I examined you thoroughly.
[Moaz winces as she tugs his ear.]
Moaz:
Alright… Shinobu-san.
[She releases his ear and smiles.]
Shinobu:
Good. Now, let's sit and talk.
[They reach a wooden bench and sit together. Shinobu smiles while Moaz shyly rubs his ear.]
Moaz (thinking):
Her nails are beautiful… and painful.
[Shinobu looks up at the sky, smiling.]
Shinobu:
Tell me about your scars, Moaz-kun. One by one.
[Moaz falls silent, takes a deep breath, then speaks.]
Moaz:
Honestly… my right ring finger. It was badly bruised and became partially disabled, as you can see.
[Shinobu looks at his right hand.]
Shinobu:
I see.
[Suddenly, Shinobu takes Moaz's hand. Her grip is firm yet warm—her skin soft and pale. Moaz's face turns red.]
Moaz:
Shinobu-san…?
[She gently runs her fingers across his palm, whispering.]
Shinobu:
Your hands are very rough. It seems you worked from a young age.
[As she continues touching his hand softly,
Moaz thinks to himself:]
This closeness… I can't believe it. Shinobu Kocho—my dream girl. Her hands are so beautiful.
[Shinobu looks at his shy face and smiles.]
Shinobu:
Moaz-kun, tell me about your jobs. How did your hands become so rough?
[Moaz sighs.]
Moaz:
In my world… working conditions are harsh. Around twelve hours a day, and—
[Shinobu suddenly places her hand over his mouth, whispering with mild irritation and a smile.]
Shinobu:
Hmm… twelve hours? No wonder you look exhausted. Lack of sleep is obvious.
[Moaz blushes deeply, still staring into Shinobu's eyes as his brown eyes meet her violet ones.]
Moaz (softly):
You're beautiful… like moonlight.
[Shinobu blushes slightly and laughs softly.]
Shinobu:
Well, Moaz-kun… your voice is quite… nice.
[Moaz notices she's still holding his hand with her other one.]
Moaz:
You know… your hand is warm.
[Shinobu quickly pulls her hand back, crossing her arms and looking away.]
Shinobu:
Idiot… but polite.
[Moaz smiles nervously.]
Moaz:
What do you say we eat? I can cook. You could try a special dish.
[Shinobu glances at him from the corner of her eye, humming softly.]
Shinobu:
Hmm… a boy who can cook.
[Moaz chuckles lightly, his tone playful but still calm.]
Moaz:
Not just that—I also understand makeup. I worked in a makeup shop for a year.
[Shinobu looks surprised, quickly hiding her admiration behind a small smile.]
Shinobu:
That's… quite interesting.
"Moaz and Shinobu head together to the Butterfly Mansion's kitchen. Moaz starts cooking while Shinobu sits nearby, resting her head on her right hand, humming softly."
Shinobu (whispering to herself):
Why do I feel so comfortable and at ease with him? He's gentle, honest… and terrible at hiding his feelings.
[While she whispers, Moaz prepares something special for her, smiling.]
Moaz:
You'll be trying an Egyptian dish—so you can see that my world has its own charm too.
[Shinobu smiles with playful challenge.]
Shinobu:
Alright, Moaz-kun. Let's see.
"After a short while, Moaz places a plate of rice and a piece of well-seasoned cooked meat in front of her."
[As Shinobu inhales the aroma, her eyes widen—but she hides her admiration behind sarcasm.]
Shinobu:
Let's see the taste. If it's bad, I'll put wisteria poison in your breakfast.
[Before she picks up her chopsticks, Moaz gently takes her hand and smiles.]
Moaz:
Wrong method, Shinobu-san. This is the correct way to eat our rice.
[He picks up a spoon, scoops some rice, and gently feeds her.]
Moaz:
Say "ahh."
[Shinobu blushes slightly but opens her mouth. The moment she tastes it, she's surprised.]
Shinobu:
It tastes… good.
[Moaz chuckles.]
Moaz:
Now try the meat.
[He feeds her a piece. Shinobu is clearly impressed.]
Shinobu (whispering):
The seasoning is wonderful… Is this a special recipe?
Moaz (smiling):
Yes. My mother's recipe. Now chew your food, Shinobu-san.
[Shinobu blushes and looks annoyed.]
Shinobu:
Don't treat me like a child. I'm your superior—don't forget that.
[Moaz notices her tone is warmer now, free of sarcasm. He smiles softly.]
Moaz:
Yes… and the most beautiful superior♡
[Shinobu blushes deeply and looks away, pretending to be angry.]
Shinobu:
Hmph, you're unbearable, you autistic idiot. But honestly… still better than Tomioka-san.
[Moaz shrugs, smiling.]
Moaz:
At least I know I've been blessed—with Shinobu Kocho, the most beautiful and intelligent girl.
[Shinobu blushes even harder and shouts:]
Shinobu:
Stop talking right now or I'll put wisteria poison down your throat, you pervert!
[She pauses, then whispers:]
Shinobu:
Now… keep feeding me, idiot.
"The chapter ends with Moaz and Shinobu sitting side by side, Moaz feeding her—perhaps the first spark of love beginning between Shinobu Kocho and someone who truly loves her and wants to change her inner sorrow. Perhaps… they are more alike than they realize."
End of Chapter One
See you in Chapter Two: "The First Training"