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Zenitsu had not intended to eavesdrop, yet there he found himself—concealed behind the wall, desperately straining to catch Tanjiro and Kanao's conversation from afar.
Valentine's Day had arrived, signaling a flood of chocolates for his best friend from countless girls at their school. Naturally, for Zenitsu, Valentine's Day meant nothing but a relentless bout of complaints about not receiving a single piece of chocolate throughout his sixteen years of existence. With graduation looming just a few months away, he clung to the hope that once he entered college, someone would finally give him one.
The weight of chocolate on his hands was getting heavier.
It was merely an excuse, a feeble attempt to mask his jealousy to those daring girls who had the courage to present chocolates to Tanjiro, while he ... well, let's just say he had been exerting his utmost effort since middle school to make chocolates for Tanjiro each year, yet they never found their ways into the hands of the burgundy-haired boy.
How could he, when Tanjiro was such a lovely and caring guy who deserved someone like Kanao? Meanwhile, Zenitsu ... he was an absolute mess—constantly whimpering and complaining about every little thing, unable to accomplish anything with success, and possessing an appearance that could only be described as unappealing. Everyone made sure to remind him of this: the people at the orphanage who grew weary of his constant presence, the townsfolk who tossed him scraps when he begged for food, and even his abusive adopted brother who had long since disappeared. Only his departed grandfather and Tanjiro were the ones who had shown him genuine love during his miserable years of living.
One thing about Zenitsu was that he never shied away from his feelings. From the very beginning, he was aware of his deep affection for Tanjiro. It was not solely due to his sound; there was something deeper, something beyond explanation. As time passed, his love for Tanjiro only grew stronger, especially after Tanjiro invited Zenitsu to visit his home and meet his warm and loving family. Witnessing the bond shared between Tanjiro, his parents, and his siblings, Zenitsu could not help but be overwhelmed by an outpouring of affection that left his chest aching.
In his heart, Zenitsu truly believed he did not deserve such love.
But, he really only was a human, a greedy one.
In an attempt to conceal his affection for Tanjiro, Zenitsu had tried various actions to make sure that his cherished best friend would not drift away due to his feelings. Zenitsu sought to redirect his love towards girls: Nezuko, Aoi, and anyone else, as long as Tanjiro remained oblivious to Zenitsu's true feelings for him.
However, as of late, it had become increasingly difficult for Zenitsu to keep up his facade.
The mere thought of Tanjiro being with someone else consumed Zenitsu, suffocating him to the point where it invaded his nightmares every single night. The more he tried to suppress his feelings, the more they threatened to overflow. Today, however, marked the day Zenitsu mustered the courage to take the first step, not by confessing his love, but by simply giving Tanjiro a chocolate. That was his plan until Kanao showed up, requesting a private time with Tanjiro beneath the blossoming sakura tree behind their school building.
Zenitsu's nerves were on edge as he nervously twirled the homemade chocolate in his hands. Despite his heightened hearing abilities, he could not detect a single sound from Tanjiro and Kanao. ‘What's going on? Have they already talked? Why can't I hear anything from this distance?’ Zenitsu panicked, his mind racing with anxious thoughts. He could not see those two as the wall blocked him from doing so.
Then, he heard a rustling sound. It was the sound of someone getting something out of their pockets.
“Tanjiro, I-I’m sorry it’s so sudden, but I have liked you since our first year. I also made chocolate for you. Please accept it.”
At that moment, Zenitsu felt an overwhelming urge to vomit.
It was Kanao, her gentle voice uttering words he had never expected to hear from her. He could vividly imagine Kanao standing beneath the beautiful sakura tree, her hair swaying, a blush gracing her cheeks, as she extended her hands to offer a chocolate to Tanjiro alone. It would be such a pretty scene that struck Zenitsu deeply, reminding him of his own inability to be like her.
“Thank you, Kanao,” Tanjiro’s voice vibrated around the air.
Zenitsu took a sharp breath. No, anything but accepting it, Tanji–
“Thank you for the chocolate, I accept it. And, I like you too.”
Oh.
Zenitsu's current state of emotions surpassed any previous experiences he had endured. Not even the time when he was cast out of the orphanage, the hurtful words from Kaigaku, or the passing of his grandfather during his school days could compare. It was a sensation unlike anything else, akin to roots tightly constricting his heart, causing it to bleed profusely.
The intensity of it all left him numb, unable to shed a single tear. Despite being known as a crybaby from birth, he could not even find solace in crying anymore. His mind was in disarray, urging him to escape, to run, run, run as far away as possible.
And so, he ran.
With every ounce of strength he possessed, Zenitsu sprinted at full speed, completely disregarding his belongings left behind in the classroom. He paid no attention to Mr. Tomioka's alarmed shouts of concern, nor did he heed Mr. Urokodaki's attempt to halt him with a broom.
All Zenjitsu wanted was to find refuge, a place of safety where he could hide away from the prying eyes of others.
.
.
.
His legs instinctively carried him to a park to his place.
Zenitsu tightly clutched the chocolate in his hand, questioning his own decision to seek solace in this particular place. It suddenly dawned on him that this park held significant meaning to him. It was the very spot where he and Tanjiro had first crossed paths, where he had shed tears of sorrow over his grandfather's passing, and where Tanjiro, a stranger at the time, had approached him with compassion and comfort. In that realization, Zenitsu understood why he had instinctively chosen this place—this park truly was his safe haven.
He made his way to one of the benches in the park. The park itself was modest, offering only two swings, a basketball ring, three benches, and a big water fountain. As it was still early in the afternoon, the park was sparsely populated, with only a handful of adults accompanied by their children.
Zenitsu remained seated, his gaze fixated on the chocolate clutched tightly in his hand. The peculiar sensation of being unable to shed tears overwhelmed him. This moment was deserving of tears, unlike the times he had been scared by Mr. Tomioka or when Inosuke snatched away his lunch. Despite almost an hour passing by, Zenitsu remained silent and motionless, his expression vacant as he continued to stare at the chocolate in his hands.
“Wow, did you get a chocolate, young man?”
Zenitsu lifted his head as he noticed the presence of an elderly lady sitting beside him. She appeared to be around sixty years old, with her white hair cascading down and a slightly slouch posture. However, it was her gentle smile that caught his attention, reminding him of Tanjiro's serene and bright smile.
“Uh, oh,” Zenitsu cleared his throat because his voice cracked so bad. “N-no, it’s actually … for someone.”
“Someone?”
“Yeah, it’s for … someone that I like.”
Her gaze momentarily faltered, revealing a sense of understanding. "Ah, I see," She spoke with a tone of wisdom, a comforting sound that Zenitsu had not realized he needed. "Hmm ... what's wrong? Of course I know what happened, boy, but you seem like you need someone to talk to. If it doesn't bother you, I would be more than willing to lend an ear. You see, I am already old and not busy at all. I can offer you my company right now."
Normally, Zenitsu would have hesitated to open up to a stranger who offered him comfort. However, given the shattered state of his heart, he decided to cast aside his hesitation. "Is it really alright?" He asked tentatively.
The old lady observed Zenitsu intently, her gaze lingering on him for a moment. With the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime, she had built a keen ability to discern the different shades of a person's character. In Zenitsu's case, she could sense that he was a young boy who was not used to receiving acts of kindness.
She smiled. “I already said I want to, young man. First, tell me your name.”
“Agatsuma Zenitsu. And you …”
“Just call me Aimi,” The lady named Aimi introduced herself. “Say, what’s the story of your chocolate and your crush?”
Zenitsu's gaze remained set on the ground, his voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability. "It’s just … I was planning to give him a chocolate, but then I heard him accepting a chocolate from a girl and saying that he liked her too."
“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Aimi.
"No, no, there's no need to feel sorry," Zenitsu shook his head, attempting to reassure Aimi. "I already know that I can't be with him. I'm just ... not ready. I don't think I'll be ready anytime soon."
Aimi's heart sank as she observed Zenitsu's efforts to maintain a smile. His eyes, however, betrayed the true depth of his pain. They lacked the vibrant shine typically seen in someone his age. It became evident to Aimi that his anguish extended far beyond the recent rejection. She noticed the scars on his collarbone peeking through his uniform, as well as around his neck. Zenitsu was not a happy young boy, and it seemed that he had endured years of misery. Oh, it seemed like band-aids on his fingers were still new.
“What will you do with the chocolate?”
Zenitsu was taken aback by the question, his mind momentarily grappling for an answer. "I-I don't know," He admitted, uncertainty coloring his voice. "I suppose it isn't any good. Maybe I should just throw it away."
A wrinkled hand gently covered his right hand, offering a warmth reminiscent of how Zenitsu's adopted grandfather used to hold him during his nightmares. "Why don't we eat it together then?" Aimi suggested with kindness in her tone.
"But, Aimi-san, it's already melted and the shape is all messed up. I should really ..." Zenitsu's words trailed off, but Aimi interjected firmly, dismissing his concerns.
"Nonsense, my dear," She insisted, taking the chocolate from him. The wrapping green and black paper was torn and taped haphazardly, far from visually appealing. However, Aimi could sense the love imbued within the chocolate. It would be a shame to let it go to waste. “May I open it, Zenitsu-kun?”
“... if you insist.”
Aimi carefully unwrapped the chocolate, revealing a transparent box containing six chocolates. Despite some of them being melted, she selected one and placed it in her mouth. As the chocolate dissolved on her tongue, a blend of slight bitterness and sweetness enveloped her senses. The taste evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminding her of treats from home. It may not have possessed the exquisite flavor of commercially produced chocolates, but to Aimi, it was the perfect taste. She beamed with a wide, radiant smile.
"It tasted wonderful, my dear," Aimi’s voice filled with genuine admiration. "I could taste the effort you put into making this chocolate. It rivals the chocolates they sell in the stores down the road. I–" She paused, her words fading away as she saw tears flooding out from Zenitsu’s eyes. “–Zenitsu-kun?”
"I'm sorry!" Zenitsu exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion. He futilely attempted to wipe away his tears, but they continued to flow unabated. These were not the whining cries he had grown accustomed to; they were genuine expressions of overwhelming emotion. "I just ... I just ... T-thank you for eating my chocolate," He managed to say amidst his sobs. "E-even though it doesn't look good anymore … and I couldn't give T-Tanjiro my chocolate, you said it was delicious, and that's all that matters … to me. Thank you … thank you …"
Zenitsu cried profusely, his body trembling uncontrollably as he hunched over, unable to contain the overwhelming flood of emotions surging within his chest. Tears streamed down his face in a steady stream, soaking his cheeks and dampening the fabric of his shirt. Each sob wracked his entire being, manifesting the depth of his anguish. The weight of his despair pressed upon him, making it difficult to catch his breath between the shuddering gasps that escaped his lips. It was a raw, gut-wrenching display of pain, the release of pent-up sorrow that had consumed him for far too long.
As people cast curious glances in their direction, Aimi remained oblivious to their stares. Ignoring the prying eyes, she wrapped her short arms around Zenitsu's quivering form, holding him tightly in a comforting embrace. With tender affection, she whispered words of solace and love, her voice barely audible amidst the tumultuous cries. Aimi's genuine care for the young man filled each syllable, her heartfelt wishes resonating with a hope for his future—a life filled with happiness and the embrace of unconditional love.
"You will be okay, Zenitsu-kun," Aimi whispered softly, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. "You have done great, and you are a truly blessed child. You are stronger than you know. Thank you for living, for being here. Please, find happiness in your heart and let it guide you on your journey." Her words carried a sense of profound sincerity, an earnest plea for him to find joy in the face of his struggles.
Ah, the park was indeed his safe place after all.
.
.
.
By the time the clock struck seven in the evening, Zenitsu's head was throbbing relentlessly.
It had been three hours since Aimi had insisted on accompanying him back to his apartment, ensuring his safety and well-being. As soon as he entered his humble abode, he collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion washing over him like a tidal wave. Sleep came swiftly, enveloping him in a cocoon of oblivion, providing a temporary respite from the overwhelming emotions that had plagued him throughout the day.
"Uh, my throat ..." Zenitsu mumbled, his voice strained and hoarse. Blinking his eyes, he realized that they must have swollen from all the crying, making it difficult to see clearly. He mustered the strength to rise from his bed and made his way to the kitchen. With unsteady steps, he reached for a glass and filled it with cool water, the refreshing liquid offering relief to his parched throat. He drank it slowly, savoring each sip, hoping that the soothing sensation would alleviate his discomfort.
Ding-dong!
His movement came to a halt as the sound of the doorbell echoed through the stillness of the night.
‘Who comes this late? Is it neighbor? No, they never visited me at all.’
Ding-dong! Ding-dong!
Zenitsu's mind raced with questions, wondering who could be visiting him at such a late hour. The thought of a visitor stirred a mixture of anticipation and unease within him. With cautious steps, he approached the door, his heart pounding in his chest, eager to uncover the identity of the late-night caller.
As soon as he almost reached the door, he took a short breath.
It was Tanjiro.
Even separated by a door, Zenitsu could discern the sound of Tanjiro's voice. It was filled with an uncharacteristic tinge of anxiety and worry, a stark contrast to his usual sound. Zenitsu was puzzled by the notion of Tanjiro displaying such concern.
“Zenitsu, I know you’re there. Please …” A pause. “... open the door for me, will you?”
Zenitsu's body remained frozen in place, his mind overwhelmed with a whirlwind of thoughts. The fear of being seen in his current state gripped him, as he contemplated the consequences of Tanjiro witnessing him in such disarray. He questioned whether he could bear the weight of the emotions that would flood his heart upon seeing Tanjiro's reaction. The fear of rejection and the uncertainty of how their friendship would be affected consumed his thoughts, leaving him paralyzed with the overwhelming desire to retreat and hide from the world.
“It’s just … you left your bag and books in class. T-Tomioka sensei told me he saw you running somewhere–outside school, when in fact you never ran away in school hours. And you didn’t come to class after that, it made me–it made us so worried. You also left your phone. Y-you smell in distress and … so sad. Zenitsu, what happened ?”
A silence.
“Zenitsu, I–”
The door creaked open.
As Tanjiro's gaze fell upon Zenitsu, his eyes widened in surprise and concern. Zenitsu's uniform, once neatly pressed and worn with pride, now hung disheveled and crumpled. It seemed as if he had been through a storm, with his hair in disarray and sweat clinging to his forehead. Tear tracks stained his cheeks. Tanjiro's heart clenched with worry and aching empathy as he took in the sorry state of his friend, understanding that something significant must have transpired to leave Zenitsu in such a state of disarray and distress.
“Come in,” said Zenitsu in a small voice. He turned his back and made his way to a small sofa in his living room.
With a mix of uncertainty and concern, Tanjiro cautiously followed Zenitsu's lead, carefully removing his shoes by the entrance. Shouldering both his own bag and Zenitsu's, he approached the spot where Zenitsu had patted beside him on the sofa. With a gentle exhale, Tanjiro took a seat, the weight of the situation mirrored in his weary expression. The air between them felt heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions as they sat side by side, bracing themselves for the conversation.
“I was such a fool, wasn’t I, Tanjiro?”
Tanjiro’s head snapped fast to Zenitsu, meeting the pair of hazel eyes that seemed so distant. Tanjiro's eyebrows furrowed as a mixture of confusion and frustration clouded his features. Zenitsu's current state emitted a distressing scent, unlike anything Tanjiro had ever encountered before. The overwhelming scent of anguish and unease mingled with his familiar peachy scent, creating an unsettling combination. While Zenitsu's usual aura carried a hint of anxiety, the intensity of his current scent was unprecedented. It unsettled Tanjiro deeply, stirring a mix of concern and empathy within him.
Tanjirou was so lost.
“No, no–Zen, who said that to you?” He sat sideways facing Zenitsu. With utmost tenderness, Tanjiro's calloused hands gently clasped Zenitsu's, their fingers intertwining. As their hands connected, Tanjiro could feel the presence of band-aids adorning Zenitsu's fingers. “I-I’m sorry I couldn’t be there when you were in such pain. Please tell me, who did this to you?” Tanjiro's gaze fixated intensely on Zenitsu, his red eyes filled with unwavering focus.
Zenitsu remained silent, his gaze locked onto Tanjiro's face, his expression void of any discernible emotion. It was as if he was etching every detail of his best friend's features into his memory, capturing the essence of their connection in that fleeting moment.
And amidst the silence, a new scent wafted into Tanjiro's senses.
It carried the essence of melted cocoa, a hint of sweetness mingled with a subtle bitterness. It was a comforting and alluring scent, reminiscent of warmth and indulgence. Chocolate.
Tanjirou blinked. “Zenitsu, did you make chocolate?”
At his question, Zenitsu's face fell apart. His eyes trembling and his fingers curling inside Tanjiro's hands, as he struggled to hold back his emotions.
“H-how could you tell?” whispered Zenitsu.
Clearly not expecting this reaction, Tanjiro asked, “I can smell it. Was I right?”
Hazel eyes locked onto their intertwined hands. The sight was both perfect and painful, tugging at Zenitsu's heart. “Yes, I made chocolate. It’s Valentine's Day, after all.”
Ignoring the uncomfortable tug at his heart, Tanjiro pressed on, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern. "But I didn't see you giving it to anyone at school. O-oh, is it for someone outside the school? Is that why you ran away?"
“Idiot,” Zenitsu gritted his teeth. “It’s because I didn’t give it to anyone.”
Tanjiro's brow furrowed in confusion, his eyes searching Zenitsu's face for answers. Riddles were not his forte, and the meaning behind Zenitsu's words confused him.
With a deep breath, Zenitsu decided to open up and continue his words. “He was already taken, I couldn’t give it to him. It would be … inappropriate.”
It was not the gender of the person that caught Tanjiro off guard, but rather the profound sadness that seemed to consume Zenitsu when he told Tanjiro about that. He realized that no previous crush had ever left such a visible impact on his best friend's emotional state.
“Zen–”
“Please don’t laugh at me, I’m–” Zenitsu covered his face in shame. His eyes were shining with tears now. “–it’s just so overwhelming for me. I hope you understand.”
Tanjiro was rendered speechless, his words swallowed by the overwhelming weight of emotions. The taste of sorrow lingered on his palate, mingling with a sense of disbelief and anger. How could someone dare to break Zenitsu's heart? How long had this person been causing him pain? Tanjiro berated himself for not noticing the signs earlier, for not being there to shield his dear friend from harm.
As Zenitsu's sobs grew more intense, Tanjiro hastily retrieved his bag and fumbled through its contents, searching for something specific. His hands moved with urgency, the rustling of the bag's contents echoing in the room.
Zenitsu's tear-stained eyes flickered, drawn to the sound of coming from Tanjiro. His gaze locked onto his friend's furrowed brow, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation building within him. And then, he caught sight of a box, meticulously wrapped in vibrant yellow paper.
Tanjiro's actions caught Zenitsu's attention, his tear-stained eyes fixating on the box wrapped in yellow paper. His sobs momentarily subsided, curiosity mingling with his heartache. What could be hidden within that box, nestled in Tanjiro's hands?
With trembling hands, Tanjiro presented the box to Zenitsu, his voice filled with genuine nervousness. "Zenitsu, I’m sorry if now is not the right time, but … please accept this. It's meant for you."
At that moment, Zenitsu's heart was wrenched with a mixture of emotions. His dear friend, Tanjiro, had prepared something for him. The sight of the box stirred a glimmer of hope amidst his despair, prompting him to push through the depths of his sorrow and reach out for what awaited inside.
Zenitsu's watery gaze shifted from Tanjiro's face to the box, unsure of what lay inside but feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty. Slowly, he extended a trembling hand to accept the offering, ready to uncover the contents and discover the significance it held for him.
Zenitsu tore through the vibrant yellow paper that encased the mysterious box. As the paper fell away, revealing a sleek black box underneath, his heart skipped a beat. Eager anticipation mingled with a hint of apprehension as he slowly lifted the lid, revealing the contents within.
Chocolate.
Zenitsu's ears began to buzz, a strange sensation that intensified with each passing moment. The sound seemed distant yet intrusive, filling his head and drowning out the world around him. He couldn't make sense of it, but its presence added to the overwhelming mix of emotions swirling within him.
Along with the box Zenitsu held, Tanjiro reached out to grasp his other hand. The warmth of Tanjiro's hand against his own provided a grounding presence, a lifeline in the midst of Zenitsu's turmoil.
"Please forget about that man," Tanjiro pleaded, his grip tightening around Zenitsu's hand. "I like you, Zenitsu–no, I love you. I have loved you since I met you in the park," Tanjiro confessed, his voice filled with emotion. The weight of his feelings had been growing within him, and he couldn't hold them back any longer. “You are such a kind and strong person, Zenitsu. I could smell it the first time we met," Tanjiro expressed softly. "I can sense it in your presence, in the way you carry yourself. Your strength shines through, even in the face of your own struggles. I admire you for that."
Zenitsu's eyes fixated on the homemade chocolates before him. They were a sight to behold, perfectly shaped and crafted with care, a testament to Tanjiro's skill as the son of a bakery family. Each chocolate had its own distinct shape, but one in particular stood out to Zenitsu—a triangular one, reminiscent of the clothes his late grandfather used to give him. It was his late grandfather's favorite shape, and seeing it now filled him with a mix of nostalgia and longing. The box had a total of five chocolates, each infused with a different flavor, enticing his senses and promising a delightful taste experience.
Zenitsu's attempts to blink away his tears proved fruitless as they continued to stream down his cheeks. “T-Tanjiro? W-why you … this … now … chocolate?”
Tanjiro gaze locked with Zenitsu's, hoping to convey the depth of his affection and sincerity. "Zenitsu, I know what you’re thinking now, and I know this is all so sudden. I had planned to give you this chocolate after school because today was hectic. I made it for you yesterday because you deserve so much more than just a simple chocolate. Please don't cry over someone who doesn't appreciate you. I know it might seem like I'm taking advantage of the situation, but I assure you, I'm not joking at all. I had intended to confess my feelings to you today, but …"
“You fucker.”
“... I’m–sorry, what?” Tanjiro blinked his eyes twice. ‘Am I hearing it right?’
Zenitsu's voice trembled. His smell combined with a mix of anger, heartbreak, and … relief? "It was you all along, you bastard."
“... huh?”
Tanjiro's reaction transcended mere shock: it was a mix of disbelief, astonishment, and a surge of emotions that overwhelmed him in that moment. His eyes widened, his mouth agape, unable to find the words to express the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings that flooded his mind. The world seemed to momentarily pause as he tried to process the profound significance of Zenitsu's words. It was as if time itself had come to a standstill, allowing the weight of this revelation to sink deep into Tanjiro's being.
Sensing Tanjiro's confusion, Zenitsu couldn't hold back the torrent of emotions any longer. His voice quivered with a mixture of anger and despair as he let his words spill out. "You! You are the jerk all along! The one I've loved for years, the one for whom I've made chocolates every year but never had the courage to give them to you because I'm such a pathetic loser! I heard you confessing your feelings to Kanao, and it hurt me. I ran away, and I met a kind old lady in the park who appreciated my chocolate. She said it was tasty, and I was happy–wait, what the fuck am I even saying now?! Argh!" His frustration boiled over, and he let out a scream, releasing some of the pent-up anger and hurt that had consumed him.
Tanjiro's eyes widened in shock.The realization hit him like a thunderbolt, and he felt a pang of guilt and regret coursing through his veins. How could he have been so oblivious to Zenitsu's feelings all this time? The pain and suffering his friend had endured, silently carrying the weight of unrequited love, was now laid bare before him. It was a painful truth that pierced Tanjiro's heart, and he couldn't find the words to express his remorse.
Zenitsu glared at Tanjiro. “Say something, will ya?”
Tanjiro straightened his posture. “I-I love you, Zenitsu!”
“The fuck? Not that, you big forehead!”
"But ... I meant every word," Tanjiro stammered, his voice trembling with suppressed anguish. "I never meant to cause you pain, Zenitsu. I'm truly sorry."
Zenitsu's anger momentarily subsided, replaced by a mix of confusion and disbelief. He looked into Tanjiro's eyes, searching for any sign of insincerity. Slowly, he realized the genuine remorse reflected in Tanjiro's expression.
"You were serious?" Zenitsu muttered, his voice trembling. The weight of his emotions crashed upon him, causing tears to well up once again. "You ... really meant it?"
Tanjiro nodded, his own voice choked with emotion. "I never knew ... I never noticed. I'm sorry, Zenitsu. I never meant to hurt you."
Zenitsu's anger melted away, replaced by a flood of conflicting emotions. He reached out a trembling hand towards Tanjiro, their fingers intertwining once more. "Idiot," He whispered, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and affection. "You really are an idiot, Tanjiro."
Tears streamed down Tanjiro's face as he nodded, unable to find the words to express his regret. In that moment, the two friends clung to each other, finding solace in their shared pain and the possibility of a love that had been hidden for far too long.
The room fell into a heavy silence, their intertwined hands serving as a lifeline amidst the storm of emotions. Tanjiro's heart throbbed with regret, realizing the magnitude of his oversight and the depth of Zenitsu's feelings.
Zenitsu's tears mingled with a mixture of relief and disbelief. He had yearned for this moment, for Tanjiro to acknowledge his feelings, yet he had never anticipated the tumultuous journey it would take to get here.
"You have no idea how long I've waited to hear those words," Zenitsu confessed, his voice quivering with a blend of vulnerability and hope. "To know that you see me, that you feel something for me too ..."
The weight of their unspoken emotions hung in the air, the room alive with the palpable tension between them. Tanjiro's gaze softened as he leaned in, his trembling lips barely brushing against Zenitsu's.
"I'm here now, Zenitsu," Tanjiro murmured, his voice filled with an unwavering determination. "I want to be by your side. I want to understand and cherish your love."
“What about Kanao?”
Tanjiro's eyes widened at Zenitsu's question, momentarily taken aback by the mention of Kanao. He gathered his thoughts, searching for the right words to convey his intentions.
"I ... I did say that, but I should have been clearer," Tanjiro explained, his voice tinged with earnestness. "I do care about Kanao, but it's a different kind of affection, one rooted in friendship. It was never the same as what I feel for you."
Zenitsu's brows furrowed, a mix of relief and confusion washing over him. He had misunderstood Tanjiro's words, misinterpreting them as a declaration of romantic interest in someone else. The weight of the misunderstanding slowly lifted from his shoulders, replaced by a renewed hope.
"So ... you mean, you don't have romantic feelings for her?" Zenitsu asked, his voice tinged with a delicate vulnerability.
Tanjiro's gaze met Zenitsu's, unwavering and filled with sincerity. "No, Zenitsu. My heart has always belonged to you."
A soft smile adorned Zenitsu's lips, a blend of relief and joy spreading across his face. The uncertainties that had plagued his heart were gradually replaced by a newfound sense of security and warmth.
"I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions," Zenitsu admitted, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and self-doubt.
"No, I should be the one to say sorry. I will make it up to you and make sure that our time together will be filled with happiness," Tanjiro expressed sincerely. "Besides, I've already promised to your grandfather, after all."
Zenitsu's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? But ... my grandfather passed away before I met you."
A glimmer of excitement danced in Tanjiro's eyes. "I sought his approval at his grave last week, seeking his permission for us to be together."
"To be together ..." Zenitsu's voice trailed off, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"To be yours," Tanjiro clarified, his gaze filled with unwavering devotion. "To stand by your side, to love you, and to protect you. I knew deep in my heart that you were the one I wanted to cherish."
Zenitsu's breath hitched, emotions swelling within him. The significance of Tanjiro's words resonated deeply, filling him with a warmth that surpassed any chocolate-induced joy.
"You truly mean it," Zenitsu murmured, his voice quivering with hope and vulnerability. "You want to be mine?"
Tanjiro's eyes gleamed with determination as he tenderly brushed away a stray strand of hair from Zenitsu's face. "With every fiber of my being, Zenitsu. I want to be yours, and I want you to be mine. Together, we will be okay. Everything will be fine. I won’t leave you, you don’t need to worry."
Zenitsu's heart swelled, his tears now tinged with a glimmer of joy. In that fragile moment, doubts and fears were set aside as they both embraced the possibility of a love they had longed for. Their lips met in a tender kiss, sealing their unspoken promises and igniting a flame of hope that burned brighter than ever before.
In each other's arms, they found solace, understanding, and the beginning of a love story that would transcend all obstacles. Together, they would navigate the complexities of their emotions, their pasts, and their intertwined destinies, bound by a love that had withstood the test of time.
.
.
.
"The heck, your chocolate is delicious, Tanjiro. You're truly blessed by God, huh? Oh, maybe the Chocolate God? No matter, it's all mine," Zenitsu mumbled with a mouthful of chocolate.
Tanjiro smiled affectionately, his gaze fixed on Zenitsu. They had decided to have a sleepover, and now they were both cleaned up and dressed in pajamas that Zenitsu had prepared for them. "Well, I do have blessed hands, you know."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Mr. Can-Do-Anything," Zenitsu teased.
"Anyway, Zen, you mentioned meeting an old lady at the park. Who was she?" Tanjiro asked curiously.
Zenitsu's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, she was amazing! She listened to me even when I rambled on and on! She even enjoyed my chocolate."
"Oh? What's her name?" Tanjiro asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Hmm, she told me her name was 'Aimi'," Zenitsu replied, blissfully unaware of the change in Tanjiro's complexion.
Tanjiro's mind raced, contemplating how he could reveal the truth to Zenitsu without causing him distress.
After all, the woman Zenitsu had encountered at the park was none other than his late grandmother.