Chapter Text
Zenitsu gulps.
A foreboding, rhythmic tapping was the sole sound in the room, ominous and awaiting Zenitsu’s attention. No matter how much he tried to ignore it, a knot of tension resonated deep in his throat, the sound not exactly loud but reminding him of Kaigaku’s presence.
His older brother had been tapping his foot for nearly two minutes — his eyes narrowed in on the scratches right under Zenitsu’s collarbone, the purple fingerprints adorning his arms, the bruises speckling his skin. They stared right back at Kaigaku tauntingly.
Zenitsu knew keeping this a secret from Kaigaku was unrealistic. Uzui had to have snitched on him.
“Listen.. Kai-“
”It’s going to happen again. You need to do something about this.”
Zenitsu was curtly cut off before the words could even leave his lips. Kaigaku’s resolute voice drowned out any attempt of a protest, forcing him to listen and accept a scolding. Zenitsu has heard this hundreds of times in the past day-and-a-half. From Uzui, from the public, from gramps, and of course Uzui just had to blab his mouth to his tempered, over-reactive, far too concerned, older brother Kaigaku.
“It was just one time-!” Zenitsu’s retort was promptly ignored once again under Kaigaku’s scrutinizing gaze. He wondered if Kaigaku even came here to ‘talk’ or more to just yell at him for being ‘irresponsible’.
“This is just the first time of many, Zenitsu. You’re not an underground model anymore, you got grabbed by a damn psychopath during an event!”
”He’s was just one touchy fan. Something like that is not going to happen again, you’re overreacting, Aniki. I’m not like one of those celebrity superstars that need a whole escort team just to go outside!”
Zenitsu slumps back onto his dressing room couch, trying to lull his brother’s rambles into white noise. He sinks comfortably into the plush, fluffy cushions with an exasperated breath puffing out from his lips. His eyes drag up towards his vanity mirrors, attention diverged to the small mole under his ear and the dust of chocolate under his lip. He licks it clean.
His dressing room is spacious, with yellow stripped walls that appear barely visible through the myriad of trinkets and frames that decorate. A picture of him and gramps out on a nature walk sits in the middle of his wall beside an old photo of he and Kaigaku as toddlers (in which Kaigaku was teasing him enough to tears). Above his vanity rests his college diploma, as well as an array of his favorite childhood plushies sitting atop of a draped net pinned to the top corner of his room. The desks and tables were stocked full of childhood memories, old gifts and keepsakes, his favorite novels, and more things Zenitsu simply ‘thought were pretty neat’.
Should his workplace be neater? Under most standards, yes. His dressing room arguably should consist of just a clothing rack and a vanity so he could do his makeup, change, and leave, but he disagreed. His clothing rack was two stories high with this week’s agenda, and sat perfectly well with the duck plushie gramps gave him for his 4th birthday.
Fortunately, Uzui, encourages his decorative room, “Very flashy, Agatsuma!”.
By far, his favorite item was his bulletin board, filled with Polaroids and memories of his family and friends. As Zenitsu was holding in a small snort at the polaroid of his buddy Inosuke snorting out a glass of strawberry milk — Kaigaku had crossed the room and met Zenitsu’s eyes with a piercing glare.
“This is serious. I want you to stay safe. Do you really want to get grabbed because someone’s not ensuring your safety?”
The only person I need protecting from is YOU. Zenitsu internally snarled at Kaigaku’s proximity. Years ago if Kaigaku got so close he would’ve licked his face to gross him out enough so he’d be left alone, but now Zenitsu needed to keep his face clean of punches. He is a model after all.
“I have Uzui. He can keep an eye on me if you’re so concerned. He’s a big guy.” Zenitsu’s agent, who never fails to mess up his shoot-ready hair with a good o’l noogie. It was he who pulled down Zenitsu’s hoodie while in line to stuff his face with sweets a few years ago, and proudly announced that he had found his next project.
A few months after, Zenitsu was grossing millions of sales on his shoots. Never before did he fathom the concept that his name would be plastered on billboards.
“Uzui isn’t always going to be with you. He’s a busy guy and you can’t bet on him running in to save you. You got lucky this time.” Kaigaku finally steps back, cocking an eyebrow at the messy state of Zenitsu’s floors. He’s met with only a shy shrug.
“So then what, I can’t go out unless Uzui is with me?” Zenitsu leans his head back on the arm rest, lips closing around a peach smoothie balanced on his leg and letting the cool liquid dribble down to his stomach.
“No. You need a full-time bodyguard to save your ass when your fans get touch-hungry.”
Zenitsu spluttered. A full-time bodyguard?! Who on earth does Kaigaku think his younger brother is?! He’s Zenitsu Agatsuma, not some hotshot! Sure he’s ‘famous’ but it’s entry level fame!
”Oh that is so unnecessary! I don’t need some random guy shadowing me like I’m a puppy the whole day!” Zenitsu slumped, a sour, shy expression pulling down his cheeks as he fiddled with a strand of hair, half-heartedly braiding.
Famous enough to need a bodyguard..? That’s not him, surely! He’s not even that well known! The thought of that is nice though.. the famous Agatauma Zenitsu.. heheheh..
No! Focus!
”W-Well— what if I wanna go out and stuff my face, or visit some nerdy shops, or…well.. I don’t know! That’ll be embarrassing! Can’t you just be my bodyguard if you’re so insistent I have one?”
As much as Zenitsu utterly adored and loved his fans, there weren’t that many of them! His everyday consisted of waking up, eating a big breakfast, getting his shoots and works done, maybe stopping to do some shopping or hanging out with friends, and returning home to watch TV. He wasn’t dodging paparazzi! Maybe sometimes a fan will come up to him on the street and ask for a photo, but that’s about it!
Did he need a bodyguard? No. Did he want one? No! Who wants a jacked 40 year old man following him around and beating up his innocent fans?
“No. I already have a job, and I need to stay close to home in case our old man breaks his hip or something.” Kaigaku deadpanned, eyes trained on Zenitsu’s collection of duck figurines sitting atop his vanity, he cringed.
“Welp, that settles it. I have nobody available to be my bodyguard.” Zenitsu overly emphasized his shrug and zipped out of his seat, planting himself in his vanity chair. He flicked the lights on, and slipped on his yellow headband to pull his hair back from his face.
Silence came over the room. The only sounds being the occasional click of Zenitsu popping open another product lid. Both of them knew Kaigaku wouldn’t let this go.
”Zenitsu.”
No reply. The blonde boy plugged in his headphones and pumped some foundation onto his blank cheeks.
“Zenitsu.”
Nothing again. Only the soft padding of the beauty blender spreading across his face. Zenitsu turned his head down to search for his concealer, and when he looked back to the mirror, Kaigaku loomed above him like some scene from a horror film.
His earplugs were yanked from their home, and Zenitsu groaned. “What!??”
“Don’t ignore me shitbird. I’m serious. You’re more popular than you think you are, and it’s seeping into your daily life too. Sure you can rely on your team during an event, but you could be on the way to the grocery store and get grabbed. Do you remember Hanako Sato?”
Is Kaigaku serious? Of course he remembers. She was an all-star. Famous as famous could be, and on the rise. She got her kick from some.. romance movie, he thinks. Her bright future shattered when a crazy, stalkerish fan confessed to her in a public restaurant. When she politely declined, he stabbed her in the neck, and she died on the scene.
A shutter slithered down Zenitsu’s tense spine, coldness washing over him. The story made him feel ill, he was a little boy when it happened, one of her admirers from when she’d appear on TV on talk shows and movies. The loss was devastating for the whole country, and if he remembered correctly, she lacked any security.
Could Zenitsu really end up like that? Surely not- Sato was famous. He’s an amateur model. Kaigaku just doesn’t realize the difference. Also, what a crazy topic switch! That wasn’t gonna happen to him, no way!
But still, his gaze drew up to his older brother’s tense expression. Kaigaku has always looked like an asshole, but through growing up together, he noticed the twitch in his scowl, the stammer in his furrowed brow. Kaigaku was sincerely worried for his safety, and if Kaigaku was, Gramps had to be too.
dammmnnn itttttttt. Zenitsu groaned.
“Fine.” He spat out, an acrid expression souring his face as he averted his eyes back to his products. He raised the concealer to his under eyes, and it was promptly ruined as Kaigaku ruffled his hand through the blonde locks of hair.
“Good. And don’t slack on it. Find someone today or I’ll contact Uzui myself.” Kaigaku prolonged his words, driving each syllable into Zenitsu’s head so he couldn’t possibly forget, or slack, as he said. Knowing Kaigaku, if he threatened to contact Uzui, he would, and whenever those two teamed up, Zenitsu paid the price.
“Okay! Okay. I will. Jeez. Now get out! You messed up my makeup, asshole! I have a shoot soon! He scowled, and yet Kaigaku responded by just ruffling his hair even more. Afterwards, he finally turned to the door, but stopped before leaving.
“Do you want me to help with your, uh-“
”No. I got it.” Zenitsu shook his head, expression suddenly forelorn. He shook his head once more and shooed Kaigaku away with his hand. He then earned a plush toy from his shelf thrown at his head.
Kaigaku left right after to avoid Zenitsu’s yells of contempt.
XXX
The issue was promptly shoved into Uzui’s hands, and the bastard was more than happy to take on the task. “Hah! Finally in need of a strong guy to protect you? I’m on it! Now this is what you call long overdue!”
Zenitsu ignored the subtle insult that he couldn’t protect himself. Uzui mentioned that he’d hire someone that would also act as a chauffeur, so that wasn’t bad at all. Zenitsu could drive, but he surely didn’t like it. Ever since he almost got rear-ended when he first started out, driving anxiety always bubbled in his stomach whenever he took the wheel.
Once the task was in other hands, he nearly forgot about it. Bustling around between shoots, charity events, meet-and-greets, and his favorite pastry shop swept the thought into his own little memory dust-pan.
Uzui had it under control. Zenitsu was gonna end up with some hyper-serious middle aged man anyway. He still didn’t want to be followed around and shadowed by a stranger.. but it was too late to back out now.
Whoever was hired would have a pretty boring job anyway, standing around watching Zenitsu pose for photos. His recent shoot had a bunch of technical errors — something with the lighting— and ended up spanning a 3 hour time period. Which, first of all, why wouldn’t you test the lights prior.. and it also made Zenitsu miss lunch. That wasn’t a good day.
He quickly swiped out his phone, opening his socials and swiping down to his recent post following the shoot. Analytics were booming — the shoot already had 30M likes after 19 hours. He cooed, Each scrolling down to the comments. each comment was more lovely than the next.. Ehehe.. Zenitsu adored his fans! He continued scrolling
Erinnuhh @zennnangel43
The third photo.. omg. I could get that framed. Zenitsu you look as great as ever!
ZENITSU #1 FAN @draxxipp
OMMMGGG when do the prints come out PLEASSEEE. Can someone explain to me how Zenitsu is still single.
hampolla @pissbabyomg
I have tickets for your meet-and-greet, I’ll be camping overnight 🫶🫶I can’t wait to meet you Zen KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Mop 🌸 @Mopikukoko
WAAAAHAYAYAHEEJWAA. THIS IS ONE OF YOUR BEST SHOOTS YET!!!
Solar ☀️ @solarhours
I just bought prints of your last shoot and you release this.. Zenitsu I need to eat how could you..
ZenningAgatzooming @aleeexpress
I’m dying over here. You look so sososososo pretty as always. How can someone be so impossibly photogenic. Can’t wait for the next shoot!!
A giddy coo bubbled from Zenitsu’s cheeky smile. He liked every comment he possibly could, responding to each one with an eager, bursting excitement. He loved his fans so much, they’re all so sweet! That one incident was a fluke, his fans would never be crazy enough for him to need a full time guard.
Zenitsu sighed, tying his hair back into a low pony and unbuttoning the top two buttons of his loose shirt. He had a shoot in an hour, and his makeup artist was out for the day. She had just been proposed to, so he didn’t mind at all. Jealous? Yeah. His love life rolled a zero.
Shoot was in an hour, so he had probably forty minutes to make his eyeliner look somewhat okay, and around twenty to the location. Nice. He usually did most of his makeup when he was already there anyway.
Zenitsu sat his butt down, popped open the lid to his eyeliner, and lifted it carefully to his eye.
His shaky hands trembled, the tip of the liner made tentative contact with the corner of his eye— careful Zenitsu — and he started to apply. Careful strokes, just like that..
BANG BANG BANG
Zenitsu jolted upright in his seat and shot his eyes to the abused door at the other side of his dressing room. He groaned and quickly averted his eyes back to the mirror to see his perfectly lined eye now a mess and unusable.
A petulant groan rumbled in his throat. He already knew it was Uzui at the door because seriously! Who knocks like that?!
Zenitsu swung open the door and met the eyes of his agent with a fierce look. “You’re lucky this wasn’t liquid liner! It’s so much harder to use and I would’ve been so proud of it!” He pointed fumingly at his messed up eye, before glaring up at the brazen man.
As expected, Uzui merely laughed and messed up his hair — why do people love ruffling his head?!— before slapping his hands over Zenitsu’s eyes.
“Hey! Get off of me you asshole!” Zenitsu threw his hands up to try and force Uzui’s sweaty palm from his face- but he was a fool to think a shrimp like him could ever make Uzui budge.
“Relax, kid. I got someone for you to meet.”
Zenitsu squawked. “Uzui! I told you not to book me a meeting before giving me a heads up! I’m not prepared! I’m not ready! I’m not even dressed nicely!” Garbled words spilled from Zenitsu’s agape lips. Panic set in his stomach and started to crawl through his veins. Uzui had once booked him a meeting with a very important sponsor and didn’t warn him. Zenitsu made a fool of himself.
“What did I tell you? Relax. You’re not meeting some big CEO of a company. You’re the boss this time.”
”What?”
Uzui ignored his questions and pushed him on forward out into the hallway, palm still planted over his eyes. He probably still had that stupid shit eating grin— stupid Uzui. Now he wasn’t gonna have time to do his makeup!
Mind you, Zenitsu is in pajama pants that have little chiikawas on them, as a grown man! He cursed internally at himself, dragging his feet to follow the way Uzui was direction him. Zenitsu’s feet dragged lazily behind him, his enthusiasm akin to a sloth as he was pulled and guided.
They stopped soon after, but Uzui didn’t remove his palms from Zenitsu’s eyes. They were all sweaty and gross and NOT what Zenitsu wanted to be smelling.
”Ready, kid?”
”YES yes yes. Just show me!”
Uzui laughed, and removed his palms. The beaming agency light invaded the previous darkness, and he struggled to adjust. Finally he opened his eyes.
Before him stood a tanned, burgundy haired man that definetly hit the gym. Zenitsu’s eyes nearly bulged from their sockets at the sheer amount of muscle packed into this guy’s biceps. Holy crap, was it hot in here? Will he let him feel those— ohmygod Zenitsu look at his FACE not his ARMS!. Looking up didn’t help. His hair was slicked back to show off his perfect jawline and serious stare that bore into Zenitsu’s whole being.
He looked about Zenitsu’s age, and when he tilted his head down, his hanafuda earrings clinked with the movement and a strand of hair fell delicately atop of his scar. (Is it weird to say that someone’s scar is attractive?).
Zenitsu sat there and nearly spluttered— but instead he stood there staring like an absolute idiot. His breath hitched, and he would’ve thought his heart did too if he couldn’t feel it pounding against his chest. The man made the first move, taking off his black lense glasses and finally meeting Zenitsu’s eyes.
holy shit.
he’s really hot.
”I’m Tanjiro Kamado. It’s very nice to meet you Zenitsu, I’ll be your bodyguard from now on.”
His voice was matter-a-fact, still polite, but so formal and business-oriented that Zenitsu was suddenly VERY aware of his half-buttoned shirt and chiikawa pajama pants. Is his hair even brushed? His makeup is only half down and probably still smeared! God damn it Uzui!
Zenitsu’s hand met Tanjiro’s extended one, and shook it. He could feel just from the gesture that this guy was strong. Really strong. No question Zenitsu’s now the safest person on the planet. This is being wasted on some run-of-the-mill model!
”..it’s.. it’s nice to meet you too, Tanjiro.”
Zenitsu took the time to study his eyes, now with the glasses removed. They were deep, a pink hue to them that seemed to brighten up a room. Accompanied with it was a furrowed brow, a serious one, like a real authentic on the job bodyguard with a clear, resolute goal. Protect, and nothing else. His stare was intimidating, one that made Zenitsu feel like a small mouse with a racing heart.
He’s hot, but he’s a bit scary! Why so serious?? Oh god- what if he’s all mean and controlling? He doesn’t want a bodyguard like that!
Zenitsu’s ear twitched like a rabbit’s, and tuned into the rhythmic thump of Tanjiro’s heart. It beat at a rather rapid pace (is this his resting heartbeat?!), and its tune crackled like the warm sparks of a bustling fire place. He sounded like the soft waves brushing from low tide, like the sun kissing the fields of flowers blooming their beautiful petals. He sounded like the birds chirping during a warm summer day, sun bright and sky spotless. Like the days Zenitsu spent growing up on his gramps’ farm, running around under the peach trees until a calm dusk lowered over the horizon and the sky was coated with colors all melting into one another.
His sound was beautiful, no doubt about it. Zenitsu could put his head against those biceps and listen for hours
— ehem. Not that he’d do it, but, well, uh, he technically could.
Where is he again??
Zenitsu shook his head back into place, finally letting go of his bodyguard’s hand and placing it back down at his side. Tanjiro stood straight like an arrow, hands in his pockets and waiting for instruction like he was some sort of guard hound. Zenitsu couldn’t help but chuckle.
“We’re in private.. you don’t need to be so formal. I wanna get to know you, since we’re gonna be around each other a lot.” He flashed a smile and a cheeky thumbs up. He was met with a nod so small he could barely notice it. Tanjiro lifted his wrist, analyzing his watch before adjusting his coat collar.
“Your shoot begins in 45 minutes, Agatsuma. We should arrive early so that you’ll have time to get ready.” His voice was low, resolute and serious. Straight forward to the goal and giving no time for Zenitsu to protest before ushering him to get his things.
Begrudgingly, Zenitsu slipped back into his dressing room, gathered up his bags and outfit, and rejoined Tanjiro outside — who instantly swiped his bags into his own hands to carry.
”oh!” Zenitsu slightly squeaked in surprise, and his hands scrambled to try and reclaim his bag. He felt like a snob if someone else carried his things! It’s just a makeup bag and some clothes- he can surely carry it. But, Tanjiro didn’t budge. “I can carry it for you, Agatsuma. Follow me to the car.”
Reaching outside, just from one glance at Tanjiro, it was clear he knew what he was doing. His blackout glasses prevented Zenitsu from watching where his gaze went, but at the moments he stood still — he knew he was surveying the area- checking his blind spots, and keeping a laser focus on anyone he deemed dangerous. And if he noticed anything, he was prepared with an earpiece and microphone taped to his cheek.
Zenitsu slipped into the passenger seat and admired the slick, clean interior of the car. It looked businessy, if that made sense. While Zenitsu’s car was littered with decorations and (admittedly, some trash he needs to throw out), there was not a single speck of dust in here. Zenitsu suddenly felt dirty, and quickly dusted off his shoes before getting comfy and closing the door.
..this was humiliating! He was in a nice car, with his new bodyguard — who was super hot and dressed nicely — and Zenitsu was in pajama pants! What a slob!
He watched Tanjiro adjust his mirrors (something Zenitsu always forgot to do), start the car without messing up or forgetting to his the gas, and buckle himself in. He even glanced over to check if Zenitsu had done the same. Zenitsu shrunk under his gaze.
”Uh.. sorry- im not not- well- I’m .. sorry I’m in pajama pants. I wasn’t expecting to leave yet.” He mumbled out, lamely. Seriously Zenitsu? This is pathetic. The pajama pants weren’t nearly the worst part. That would probably be the smeared eyeliner and slippers.
Tanjiro kept his eyes focused on the road, and his sound was still that same fast-paced readiness as before. He only slightly nodded with a small, “I don’t mind at all, Agatsuma. You can wear whatever you want around me.”
Zenitsu felt his cheeks dust a little red from embarrassment. Of course this guy was also nice, but there’s no way he wasn’t internally cringing at him! He fiddled with his thumbs, a mild anxiety settling in his blood. Neither of them said anything after that, only the sound of an occasional blinker. The silence dragged.
Well, he was wrong about one thing. Tanjiro was his age, and he was cute. Zenitsu thankfully didn’t end up with someone old enough to be his dad. Maybe he had too little faith in Uzui.
But, he was more than right about how.. serious his bodyguard would be. Sure, Tanjiro wasn’t hired to be his friend, but the silence on this car ride was killing him! Tanjiro didn’t even comment or mumble when someone cut him off. Is this guy real? It wasn’t like he was working for a CEO or something, this was Zenitsu!
Maybe he just wasn’t comfortable yet, neither of them were.
Zenitsu still didn’t believe this was necessary at all.
XXX
Zenitsu never had a problem being watched. That was quite literally his job. He got himself all handsome and pretty for the camera, posed in his studio or at a set location, and then the photos were uploaded, printed, and displayed for whoever wanted a look at him.
Some could even say he loved the attention. Who wouldn’t? He nearly passed out the first time he saw an ad of himself on a screen in Tokyo. Zenitsu Agatsuma in big letters and a pretty font. Buy now.
He adored noticing fans looking at him in public. He cherished every interaction. He loved his work and every single person he got to meet. He was not one to dislike being looked at. Maybe he relished in it.
Until now.
The shoot went normal as always. He modeled a new line of expensive watches, so most of the photos were focused on his wrist anyway. The only thing straying from normal were the eyes burning into his skin.
Tanjiro stood at the corner of the room, arms crossed, posture straight as an arrow. Not once did he avert his eyes to his watch or step out to use the bathroom. He just stood. As if some psychopath was gonna break in through the window guns blazing. This was overdoing it!
The only time he showed signs of life was to ask Zenitsu if he needed a break— which — no, he does not need a break every twenty minutes. The concern is appreciated but he’s not twelve years old. If anything his bodyguard was good at being slightly distracting. His sunglasses were on his head and his handsome face was just out in the open!
The amount of times his photographer had to call his attention back with “Come on Zennn!! Eyes on meeee!!” was embarrassing.
After he had gathered up all his things (and had them taken from his arms 5 seconds later) he stammered a quick apology for his lack of focus, before hurrying over to the car.
For he had somewhere to be after this. Hehheh. His weekly Friday tradition.
Zenitsu felt less like a slob getting into the car this time, as he was in his clothes for the shoot, his hair perfectly parted and his makeup touched up. His confidence was slightly peaked, enough for him to not drown in shame when asking-
“Can we stop at the pastry shop? I like to go there on Fridays.”
His hands gripped his seatbelt tightly, watching as Tanjiro turned to him and nodded. “Of course, Agatsuma. I’ll take you there now.” He spoke, not a judgement in his voice.
Tanjiro was a good driver. Not a speck of road rage, never runs lights, stops the moment he sees a pedestrian, never second guessed his right-of-way.. maybe he should’ve just been hired as a chauffeur. If Zenitsu hasn’t restated it enough, he’ll say it again. He doesn’t need, nor want, a bodyguard.
Still, he accepts it and slumps back into his seat. The results of the shoot wouldn’t be posted for a few hours, so there wasn’t much to look at besides comments on his other shoots.
Though, he never looked at his phone for more than a few seconds, his eyes constantly glancing back at the driver seat. Tanjiro had this calming aura about him. His fingers glided effortlessly over the wheel, never second guessing himself or hesitating on which way to flip his blinker. Nothing seemed to bother him, whenever he pressed the break, it was at just the perfect pressure to roll to a steady stop, and always looked over to check on his passenger every few minutes.
A neutral expression remained on his face, and while Zenitsu couldn’t see his eyes through his black-out glasses, he figured they were just as matter-a-fact and business oriented.
And of course, when they finally pulled up to the pastry shop, he parked his car with an effortless perfection that Zenitsu used to fight back tears over when he was 16.
He hmphed.
Tanjiro rocketed out of the car and opened the door for him before Zenitsu could even gather his things. It was.. polite— but was this really gonna be his everyday from now on? Babied and protected from a threat that doesn’t exist? Sure, he does love the idea of the princess treatment, but that’s reserved for his future boyfriend!
He mumbled a polite thank you and scurried to the entrance before Tanjiro could even attempt to carry his bag. Zenitsu’s bag was precious to him. Cluttered with an array of pins and patches, it’s where he documents all of his travels and achievements. Pins from the shoot in Montreal, his trip to Greece, a patch from the Roman Forum gift shop, it was his baby, and he didn’t like it landing in other people’s hands. His favorite little trinket was a mini crochet version of himself that swung as his keychain. A little girl had given it to him during a meet-and-greet and he cherished it.
Zenitsu breezed into the pastry shop, the air a welcoming embrace as he eagerly cozied up in his usual seat and flipped open the menu he had already memorized.
Drool gathered between his lips, vanilla cheesecake with chocolate fudge drizzle.. red velvet cupcakes topped with cream icing and strawberries.. peach milkshake mixed with whipped cream and sprinkles..
Zenitsu wiped his chin clean. He only needed something simple and filling. He was not a glutton.
totally.
Tanjiro was standing up right by his booth, head on a swivel and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hands rested on his belt, one thumb hooked under. His clothes were nice, perfectly tailored and a classic bodyguard all-black attire. Zenitsu found himself slightly admiring, just a bit. Remember, Tanjiro was a bit.. well- not like JACKED. But, he had muscle. Who wouldn’t be into that?
”Do you want anything? The food here is really good. I’ll pay.” Zenitsu shined his best smile up to Tanjiro, utilizing his perfectly trained pretty-boy gaze that got him out of many tickets. He perfectly batted his eyes and just slightly puckered out his bottom lip. He let his hair do the rest.
Which did nothing. Tanjiro bowed with a polite “Thank you Agatsuma, but I’ll decline” and turned back to keep watch. Zenitsu slumped. So much for getting him to loosen up.
XXX
Zenitsu had eventually gotten his food, a modestly sized slice of ube cake roll. Tanjiro’s eyes would frequently glance back at him- so he had to swallow his urge to devour the meal, and eat like a normal person.
This was so awkward! He was just standing there! They weren’t going to get along, no way. This guy was being paid to stand next to Zenitsu, not that money was the problem, but it was being watched! As a baby, Zenitsu loved being coddled and protected, but that was then! He was a grown man!
He stuffed another fork-full between his lips and pulled out his phone, tapping through his story and monitoring the activity. Around fifteen minutes ago he had taken a rather nice photo of his dazzling cake and tagged the pastry shop as always. He went here so much they might as well make a special dish in his name.
Perhaps after this he’ll take a quick walk through the nearby park. The beading sun had chilled to a cool evening breeze, and he would kill to get some wind through his hair and live away from social media for a good fifteen minutes. Maybe he’ll see some sparrows too, he did miss Chuntaro lots.
He placed his fork down on the empty plate and sat up, nearly amused at how Tanjiro quickly twitched over to face him like an alerted hawk.
“I’m thinking about going for a walk in the park, I have a block of time before my next event.” Now, Zenitsu didn’t want to, say.. ditch Tanjiro, no! He just.. really wanted to go on a walk by himself.
But Tanjiro was right on his heels as Zenitsu returned his dish and walked out the front door. Zenitsu’s eyelid twitched. If he asked to be alone Tanjiro would of course say no. He wouldn’t even let Zenitsu open a car door for himself, let alone leave his sight for more than 5 seconds.
Think, Zenitsu!
“Hey, Tanjiro?”
his voice rattled, eyes pretending to search through his bag.
“I think I left my sunglasses on the table, do you mind getting them for me? Sorry.”
Im sorry gramps. Your boy is a dirty liar. But it’s just for a few minutes of privacy!
As expected, Tanjiro nodded, and headed back inside- and Zenitsu quickly hustled towards the direction of the park. He told Tanjiro where he was going, so he wasn’t completely ditching him. And he’s sure Tanjiro probably put on AirTag on his clothes while he wasn’t looking anyway, so he’s fine.
He’d merely taken a few steps out the front when a sheer, piercing noise caused him to wince and slap his hands over his sensitive ears. Zenitsu grumbled deep in his gut, and snapped his eyes over to the intrusion. Around 2 yards away drinking in the parking lot sits two men, probably around their mid 30s, possibly older. One is tugging on the other’s shirt, furiously pointing and gesturing him to Zenitsu. And of course he was screeching like a newborn baby.
Zenitsu didn’t mind interacting with fans, he loved it, though he didn’t appreciate the noise. He lifted his hand and gave a small wave before going on his way and reaching into his bag for some earbuds.
Then he heard feet rapidly approaching him, and a gnawing sense of panic crawled up his stomach and out his mouth as his arm was suddenly grabbed and yanked back.
“H-hey! What are you doing?!” Zenitsu yelped, worry flushed over his face as he tried his best to politely yank his hand back from the fan. He didn’t want to be rude, of course not- this was one of his fans (he thinks) and rude celebrity’s are the worst things ever!
But, he didn’t appreciate this at all.
The man holding onto him was nearly frothing at the mouth, having caught up to Zenitsu while the other strolled over, a beer in one hand.
“Zenitsu! I’m your biggest fan! I’ve been watching you since you first started out, I’ve bought every shoot, especially the Seoul one! That one’s my favorite by far! Oh my god I can’t believe it’s you!” he aggressively shook Zenitsu’s arm, speaking at maybe 10cm away from Zenitsu’s face, his breath shallow and way too loud.
Also- his Seoul shoot? That was certainly a.. choice. He was modeling stuff that was a bit embarrassingly revealing. It was a big hit, but every billboard and magazine cover just made him cover his face and feel shy.
”O-oh! ..eheh- thanks so much for supporting! But I should really go..” he mumbled, avoiding eye contact like the plague. The other guy was close, and he felt very suffocated and caged in. Attempts to tug his arm away were useless.
“I’m so glad I found you! I thought you would’ve left by now but thank God I saw the post!”
Oh. So he had stalked him through his socials. Lovely. That was only posted recently. This guy is a fucking creep.
”Yeah.. but as I said-“
”You’re even more beautiful in person! You smell so nice.. like honey! Can I smell your hair? I promise I’ll be gentle..” The man’s hands grew from tugging to trying to fully pull Zenitsu close to him. Panic exploded in his chest, heart thumping like a drum as Zenitsu now fully tried to thrash his body away— but the man kept grabbing and getting more violent with every no! Zenitsu shouted.
“Get off of me!”
”Oh, come on. For a fan? Relax. I said I’ll be gentle.”
”No! I said get off!”
Zenitsu worriedly eyed the other man, who had put his beer down and arms raised to roll up his sleeves. Holy shit. Oh my god- where’s-
A loud slam electrified through Zenitsu’s bones, and he was released- falling backwards and onto the painful hard cement. He grunted, his palms throbbing with a sudden sharp pain and feeling warm with a small dribble of blood. Shit- his hands were all scratched up.
Zenitsu flinched upon a barrage of loud noises, and his hands flew up to his ears, pressing his scratched palms to try and hide from the unpleasant sound. He scooted back on his butt, eyebrows knitted inward and eyes screwed shut. His teeth bit down hard on his lip, a small shiver going down his spine as the noises fell silent.
Silence. Only the swish of evening leaves and footsteps calmly approaching him.
Tentatively, Zenitsu opened his eyes, and gazed up. Tanjiro stood above him, swiping his now messy hair out from his face and letting it blow gently behind him. His glasses rested gently upon his head, hands brushing off dust from now tattered clothes before outstretching his calloused hand down towards Zenitsu.
“Are.. are you okay, Agatsuma?”
His eyes shined with concern, a newfound light gleaming across their pink hue. Zenitsu’s ears sang with the rhythm of Tanjiro’s heart, beating softly, but strained inside his chest. Beating with genuine worry, of concern for.. Zenitsu.
Zenitsu’s breath hitched, eyes wide and starting up at Tanjiro, at the single bead of sweat dribbling down his scar. And the knocked out men behind him. Zenitsu clutched his chest.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Zenitsu gulped.