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December 27th — Late Evening
“Pardon me, but I am feeling quite tired. Thank you for the banquet, Aruji-sama.”
Nukemaru swiftly left the main room filled with chatter from many long-time residents of the citadel. It wasn’t that Nukemaru disliked the atmosphere. In fact, he found it quite pleasant to see how close-knit these swords were with each other. Yet, it was for that same reason that he could not bear sitting there for so long. It hadn’t been a full day since he had manifested—his feelings were all over the place and the fact that he had seen both his Saniwa and comrades disappear was not something he could wrap his head around. He wanted to retreat for the night and go over everything that he knew thus far, so he decided to feign exhaustion and bid farewell to Leila.
He hadn’t gone far when the sound of heels hitting the floor quickly reached Nukemaru’s ears. He had an inkling of who was trailing behind him, but made no effort to slow down.
“Ah, Nukemaru!” Kashuu called out. There was a hint of desperation in his voice that Nukemaru couldn’t ignore. He stopped walking and turned around to look at the uchigatana coming his way. “You’re quick to slip away, huh?”
Curious eyes peered at Nukemaru. It almost felt like they saw right through him—did he catch onto his lie? He really didn’t want to be questioned right now, so Nukemaru maintained an air of distance as he addressed his pursuer. “Kashuu Kiyomitsu. How may I help you?”
“I know you didn’t leave because you were tired,” Kashuu said as he straightened his back. His lips curled into a soft smile, trying to lighten the mood. “But, I’d like to show you around the citadel and get to know you a little better.”
Widened eyes gave away Nukemaru’s lie. He didn’t know what to make of Kashuu’s request. There really wasn’t any need to be shown the layout of the citadel as he could tell it had remained largely the same as the one he once loved.
“There is no need to bother yourself with this Kamuro. I assure you, I know my way around.” Nukemaru bowed before he turned around, preparing to leave. What he didn’t expect was for a hand to grab hold of his wrist. He turned only his head, Kashuu’s now-pleading eyes staring straight at him. Those expressive eyes of his really stood out to Nukemaru. Wondering if he was acting colder than he should be, Nukemaru’s words came out as a whisper. “You’re more… sentimental than I remember.”
Kashuu raised an eyebrow at him. He didn’t ask Nukemaru to repeat himself, but he was certain that he had heard him. Kashuu had let go of his wrist—the warmth from his hand remained on Nukemaru’s skin—and was instead playing with a lock of hair. “I was worried seeing you leave… Aruji too, you know?”
“……”
“Well, even though it’s my job to look after newcomers, I also don’t want to force you to—”
“Very well.”
“—do something… Huh?” Kashuu had stopped mid sentence when Nukemaru interjected.
“Tomorrow. Meet me after the morning announcements.” Nukemaru threw in a faint smile. Kashuu blinked at him, the disbelief on his face evident, and moved not a finger. Nukemaru took this opportunity to walk away.
“Is that really okay?” Kashuu called out to him from where he stood just before Nukemaru turned towards the inner quarters, cheeks tinged with pink from the tachi’s sudden forwardness. He chose not to follow after him a second time.
Nukemaru stopped once more. “Certainly. This Kamuro does not wish to worry Aruji-sama, either.” He thought about how different this Kashuu seemed just from the few lines they’ve exchanged. They were never close in Leila’s previous citadel, but Nukemaru felt that this Kashuu, who chased after him, would continue to surprise him. He let out a chuckle, lowering his guard. Nukemaru glanced back at Kashuu and playfully spoke, “… I shall be in your care.”