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“Welcome back, Kanroji-san!” one of the Kakushi called out enthusiastically from just outside the Butterfly Mansion.
“We’re glad to see you’re not injured after your mission!” another added, his eyes bright with relief.
Mitsuri let out a soft, cheerful giggle, quickly covering her mouth with one hand before responding.
“Thank you, you guys! I’m really happy to see you again too!” she said warmly, stepping closer to where they rested in the shade. “What are you doing here? Heading out on a mission?”
They explained how they had stopped by the estate to pick up fresh bandages and other essential supplies from the clinic before departing for their next assignment. The conversation flowed easily at first, but as the topics shifted, one of them suddenly asked something that made Mitsuri shift nervously in place.
“And what about you, Kanroji-san?” he asked, his tone light and teasing. “Did you finally find the love you were looking for? You haven’t talked about it much lately.”
The other Kakushi turned to look at her as well, curiosity written plainly on his face.
Mitsuri hesitated. “Ahm… well… yes… something like that,” she admitted, her voice softer now, a hint of uncertainty slipping through.
The answer lingered in the air.
It was true—she and Shinobu had shared a few quiet, meaningful kisses, and what they had was definitely more than just friendship. But neither of them had actually put it into words.
They hadn’t called it anything yet and lately, they hadn’t even had much time to figure it out.
Shinobu had been busy at the estate, constantly tending to patients, while Mitsuri had been assigned longer, more exhausting missions than usual. Their moments together had become brief, fleeting—yet still enough to leave Mitsuri’s heart fluttering every time she thought about her.
Mitsuri smiled a little to herself, even as she fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, unsure of how to explain something she didn’t fully understand yet.
The two Kakushi lingered a little longer, chatting idly about their upcoming assignment and sharing a few light jokes before finally adjusting their gear.
“Well, we should get going,” one of them said, stretching his arms.
“Take care, Kanroji-san! Don’t overdo it,” the other added with a grin.
“I will! You too—stay safe!” Mitsuri replied brightly, waving as they turned and headed off down the path, their figures slowly disappearing into the distance.
Once they were gone, the space around the entrance fell quiet again.
Mitsuri remained there for a while, hands loosely clasped behind her back as she swayed gently from side to side. Her thoughts drifted—inevitably—back to Shinobu.
To the way she smiled. To the softness in her voice when they were alone. To the warmth that lingered even after the smallest moments they shared.
Mitsuri’s cheeks turned faintly pink as she let out a small, dreamy sigh.
After a few more seconds, she lightly patted her cheeks, as if to gather herself, and stepped inside the Butterfly Mansion.
The familiar calm welcomed her immediately—but it wasn’t long before the sound of movement drew her attention toward the courtyard.
There, she found Shinobu and Kanao in the middle of a training session.
A few Demon Slayers—clearly patients, judging by their bandages and the way they stood carefully at the edges—watched with interest. The soft thuds of footsteps against the ground and the swift, precise movements of the two girls filled the space.
Mitsuri paused near the entrance, choosing to watch quietly.
Shinobu moved with controlled grace, her steps light, almost effortless, while Kanao mirrored her with steady precision. The rhythm between them was fast, fluid—each exchange sharp and deliberate.
After a few more minutes, the session came to an end.
Both girls slowed to a stop, their breathing slightly heavier now. Shinobu had clearly taken the upper hand, though Kanao’s expression remained as neutral as ever, her eyes attentive as she listened.
“You’re hesitating just a fraction before you move,” Shinobu pointed out gently, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s subtle, but in a real fight, that moment matters.”
Kanao nodded quietly, absorbing every word without complaint.
Before Shinobu could continue, one of the observing slayers stepped forward, clearing his throat nervously.
Mitsuri, who had just begun to approach, slowed her steps, watching the interaction.
“Um—Kochou-san,” the young man began, a noticeable blush spreading across his cheeks. “That was… amazing. You’re incredibly fast. I was wondering—if it’s not too much trouble—if I could maybe train with you sometime?”
Shinobu turned to him, her a composed smile settling on her lips. “Thank you,” she replied politely, inclining her head slightly. “I appreciate your kind words.”
There was a brief pause.
“However,” she continued, her tone still gentle but firm, “I don’t usually train with many people.”
The slayer blinked, clearly a bit flustered, but nodded quickly nonetheless. “O–Oh! Right, of course—sorry!”
From where she stood, Mitsuri watched the exchange, something soft—but just slightly tighter—settling in her chest as she took in the scene.
Mitsuri had noticed certain changes since she first met Shinobu—subtle, and yet impossible to ignore. Physical changes, like how her hair seemed longer now, softer, more elegant… or how time and growth had highlighted her features in ways that made her even more striking. More mature.
But Mitsuri clearly wasn’t the only one who had noticed.
And really, that wasn’t surprising. Shinobu was beautiful—anyone with eyes could see that. At least, from Mitsuri’s point of view, it felt almost obvious.
Still… that didn’t stop the small knot that formed in her chest whenever someone approached Shinobu with clearly romantic intentions.
“I think you should all return to your rooms now,” Shinobu said firmly after a few minutes, her tone gentle but leaving no room for argument.
The observing slayers quickly complied, offering small bows before dispersing.
Shinobu then turned to Kanao, leaning down slightly to whisper something in her ear. Kanao listened attentively before giving a small nod. Without a word, she stepped back and made her way inside the mansion, offering Shinobu a polite bow before disappearing down the hallway.
Shinobu let out a quiet breath, lifting a hand to wipe a bit of sweat from her forehead. As she lowered it, her gaze shifted—and landed on Mitsuri.
Mitsuri immediately raised her hand in a cheerful wave.
For a brief second, Shinobu blinked—then her expression softened completely.
A bright, genuine smile spread across her lips as she walked over without hesitation, her steps light but quick, closing the distance between them in moments.
“Mitsuri-san, hello!” Shinobu greeted with a bright smile, stopping just a few centimeters away from her.
Mitsuri felt her heart leap with excitement before she spoke. “That was incredible!”
Unlike the calm reaction Shinobu had shown to the slayer just moments ago, this time a soft blush crept across her cheeks. Her lips pressed together, forming a shy, almost bashful smile at Mitsuri’s praise.
“You really think so? I was just trying to show Kanao something. I didn’t expect to have an audience,” Shinobu said with a light laugh, scratching her cheek—though her gaze lingered more on Mitsuri than on the other slayers who had been watching.
“You’re amazing!” Mitsuri praised again, lifting both hands in a small, celebratory gesture.
Shinobu’s cheeks deepened from pink to a near crimson at her sweet words. Then, suddenly, she reached for Mitsuri’s wrist and gently tugged the unprepared girl forward—guiding her into the mansion.
“I promised we’d go shopping together, but let me take a bath before we leave,” Shinobu said, opening the door with her free hand. “You can wait in my room.”
“I wouldn’t mind waiting here,” Mitsuri replied softly.
“N-no… go to my room. It’s really hot out here, don’t you think?” Shinobu insisted nervously, glancing both ways down the wooden hallway before pulling Mitsuri along.
Mitsuri knew it wasn’t because of the weather—but she couldn’t quite understand why Shinobu had suddenly become so nervous.
Maybe… Shinobu just didn’t want to be seen with her. Mitsuri quickly tried to push the thought away.
Mitsuri followed behind Shinobu, walking along the familiar path that led to the younger girl’s neat and pristine room.
Shinobu welcomed her in with a gentle smile before turning to her wardrobe to pick out a change of clothes. Meanwhile, Mitsuri glanced around the room, her attention soon drifting to one of the medical books resting on Shinobu’s desk, which she picked up with quiet curiosity.
“I’ll be right back,” Shinobu said from the doorway.
Mitsuri smiled and nodded, lowering her gaze to the book in her hands—only to lift it again in mild surprise when she heard Shinobu’s footsteps returning.
Without warning, the dark-haired girl placed one hand on Mitsuri’s shoulder and leaned in slightly, her soft, warm lips brushing just at the edge of the pink-haired girl’s own.
The contact lasted only a few fleeting seconds before Shinobu pulled away abruptly, the tips of her violet hair brushing lightly against Mitsuri’s forehead.
“I’ll be right back!”
“E-ehm… y-yes! I’ll wait here!” Mitsuri replied, her voice trembling ever so slightly, just as Shinobu slipped out through the sliding door, a small smile lingering on her lips.
__________
As she reached the entrance, Shinobu carefully slipped off her sandals before stepping inside almost on tiptoe, trying not to make a sound.
The mansion was completely silent—an unusual sight, considering how many residents lived there and how often injured slayers came and went each day.
Just as she caught sight of her room around the corner, a small voice stopped her in her tracks.
“Shinobu-sama, good evening!” Sumi greeted cheerfully, holding a broom as she looked up at her.
Shinobu let out a quiet sigh of relief before replying with a gentle smile. “Good evening, Sumi!”
Thinking that would be the end of it, she continued on her way—only to be stopped again by another voice.
“Shinobu-sama, you’re back already?” This time it was Naho, carrying a tray filled with bandages along with a pitcher of water.
“Yes! I was just heading to my room…” Shinobu smiled at her, unconsciously quickening her pace as if trying to avoid running into a certain someone.
“Nobu! I see you’re back!”
Shinobu’s shoulders stiffened immediately at the familiar voice. Kanae stood just a few steps away from Kiyo, who was quietly giggling for some reason.
“Ah… yes, good evening,” Shinobu replied quickly. Even reaching her door and placing a hand on the wood wasn’t enough to escape.
“And where have you been, dear sister?”
Shinobu hesitated for the briefest moment, her fingers resting against the wooden door before she glanced back at Kanae. “I asked Kanao to inform you I was going out,” she replied smoothly, her tone composed—just convincing enough to sound like the end of the conversation.
From the corner of her eye, she caught Kanao standing beside Aoi. The younger girl remained as quiet as ever, though there was the faintest shift in her gaze… while Aoi was very clearly holding back a laugh.
Kanae tilted her head, her smile soft—but dangerously curious. “You did. But you didn’t say with whom.”
Shinobu slid the door open. “It wasn’t anything worth mentioning,” she added lightly, already stepping inside. That was her first mistake.
“Shinobu-sama, was it someone important?” Sumi appeared at her side as if summoned.
“Was it a mission?” Naho added, suddenly right behind her.
“Or something more fun?” Kiyo chimed in, barely containing her giggles.
Shinobu froze mid-step.
…Second mistake.
Before she could close the door, Kanae’s hand gently stopped it. “My, my... now I’m very curious.”
Shinobu inhaled slowly. “…It was just a walk.”
“With whom?” Kanae asked sweetly.
Shinobu stepped further into the room—only to realize she was being followed. Closely.
At the doorway, Aoi had fully given up pretending and was openly smirking, while Kanao observed in silence—though there was something undeniably amused in her eyes.
Shinobu narrowed her gaze slightly. “…You’re all being rather persistent tonight.”
“Because it’s interesting,” Kanae replied. “Very interesting!” Kiyo added. “Extremely interesting!” Sumi nodded.
Shinobu exhaled. She could still recover this. “…It was with Mitsuri.”
Silence. A beat. Then—
“MITSURI-SAN?!” Sumi practically launched forward.
“You went out with Mitsuri-san?!” Naho gasped.
“Was it a date?!” Kiyo asked instantly—and before Shinobu could even breathe, she was suddenly engulfed.
Sumi threw her arms around her waist. Naho clung to one arm. Kiyo hugged the other.
And Kanae—traitor that she was—wrapped her arms gently around all of them from behind, effectively trapping Shinobu in the center of a very enthusiastic, very inescapable group hug.
“W-wait—” Shinobu tried to step back. She couldn’t. She physically couldn’t. There were too many of them.
From the doorway, Aoi burst out laughing. “You’re not getting out of that.”
Even Kanao looked… suspiciously satisfied.
“Shinobu,” Kanae murmured warmly near her ear, her tone laced with amusement, “was it a date?”
“I didn’t say that—” Shinobu attempted, already struggling slightly against the pile of affection.
“You didn’t deny it!” Kiyo chimed in.
“That’s because—” Shinobu stopped.
“…Oh no,” Aoi muttered, grinning. “She’s digging her own grave.”
“It was a date!” Sumi declared triumphantly, squeezing tighter.
“With Mitsuri-san…” Naho added dreamily, also tightening her hold.
Shinobu’s face turned a deep, unmistakable red. “I can’t breathe,” she stated flatly.
“No answer until confirmation!” Kiyo said cheerfully.
“Agreed,” Kanae added, far too pleased.
“…It was a date,” she admitted at last, her voice slightly muffled between shoulders and sleeves.
The reaction was immediate. A chorus of delighted squeals filled the room as the “hug” somehow tightened even more.
“WE KNEW IT!” Sumi cheered. “With Mitsuri-san!” Naho repeated. “That’s so romantic!” Kiyo giggled.
“I’m genuinely happy for you,” Kanae added softly—though she made absolutely no move to release her.
“Aoi,” Shinobu said, her voice strained but dangerously calm, “help me.”
“No,” Aoi replied instantly, wiping a tear of laughter. “This is too good.” Even Kanao gave a small nod of agreement.
Shinobu let her head fall forward slightly in defeat. “…I regret telling all of you.”
__________
A week had passed since she’d announced her relationship to the girls at the Butterfly Mansion—and it had been an exhausting one.
Shinobu carried on with her usual routine: tending to patients, taking on the occasional mission, and testing different variations of her poisons—each one carefully refined and approved by her own hand as she dealt with the assigned demons.
That very morning, Urara had appeared at the window of her office, a letter neatly secured to her leg.
Shinobu took it with a small smile, immediately recognizing Mitsuri’s sweet scent clinging to the paper. She gently stroked the crow’s head in thanks before turning her attention to the envelope.
The day before, Shinobu had sent a letter to her girlfriend, inviting her out again. Nothing too elaborate—perhaps a simple meal, maybe some training. She had even considered requesting a two-person mission, just for an excuse to spend more time with the pink-haired girl.
What she hadn’t expected… was the refusal.
It was written clearly between the lines.
Even the letter itself felt different—duller somehow. There were no adorable doodles along the margins, no little hearts scattered across the delicate paper like there usually were.
And what worried her most… was the mention that Mitsuri hadn’t been feeling quite like herself that day, along with her apology for not being able to join her.
Shinobu read the letter again. And again. And then a third time.
Only then did she slowly set aside her notes.
Shinobu remained still for a long moment, the letter resting lightly between her fingers as her thoughts quietly unraveled.
It wasn’t like Mitsuri. That alone was enough to unsettle her.
Her gaze drifted toward the window, where Urara still perched patiently, watching her with quiet attention.
“…Do you think I should go see her?” Shinobu asked at last, her voice softer than usual—tinged with a concern.
The crow tilted her head… then slowly lowered it.
That was all the answer Shinobu needed.
She exhaled, closing her eyes for just a second before setting the letter aside with more care than her notes had received. Her experiments, her reports—everything could wait..
___________
By the time Shinobu arrived at the Rengoku estate, the sky had already begun to darken, the last traces of sunlight fading into a deep, quiet evening.
She didn’t bother announcing herself. It wasn’t that she wanted to be secretive—just considerate.
Moving silently through the familiar grounds, she made her way inside and up to the second floor, her steps light against the wooden floor. She knew exactly where Mitsuri’s room was.
When she reached the window, she paused only for a moment before gently tapping against the wood.
It took a few minutes.
But eventually, there was movement inside.
The window slid open, and Mitsuri appeared—her eyes widening in clear surprise as they landed on Shinobu. “Shi—Shinobu-chan?”
Shinobu didn’t answer right away. Her gaze had already shifted, sharp and observant.
There, faint but noticeable—a small cut along Mitsuri’s cheek, already healed. And beneath that… The exhaustion. It clung to her in a way that no words could quite hide.
“…Are you alright?” Shinobu asked quietly, still perched on the windowsill, her tone more direct than usual.
Mitsuri blinked, caught off guard by the question.
“I—Shinobu-chan, you should come inside! You could fall,” she said quickly instead, her concern immediate as she leaned forward slightly, reaching toward her.
Shinobu slipped gracefully from the windowsill down to the floor, her eyes immediately settling on Mitsuri—who, unsurprisingly, seemed far more concerned about her than about herself.
Her girlfriend looked exhausted… and, somehow, dimmer than usual. That natural brightness Mitsuri carried so effortlessly seemed faint. And more than that—it was unusual for her to come back with injuries at all.
“You look tired,” Shinobu said gently. “Did you just return from a mission and didn’t tell me? I’m sorry for asking you to come with me if that was the case.” She let out a small, sheepish laugh, lightly scratching her cheek.
“Not exactly…” Mitsuri admitted, her fingers unconsciously brushing over the faint mark on her cheek. “It was more of a chance encounter yesterday, while I was accompanying Senjuro-kun to the market.” She paused briefly before adding, with a forced brightness, “But it was just a low-ranking demon! I defeated it quickly!”
Shinobu tilted her head slightly, catching the artificial edge in Mitsuri’s enthusiasm almost instantly.
“I’m glad to hear nothing serious happened,” she replied softly.
Before Mitsuri could say anything else, Shinobu moved. It was sudden—quick enough to be almost imperceptible. She stepped forward and gave Mitsuri a light, measured push to the shoulder.
It should have been nothing.
It wasn’t. Mitsuri staggered back, her footing faltering just enough that she nearly lost her balance entirely.
Shinobu’s eyes widened…That wasn’t right.
“—I’m sorry,” Shinobu said immediately, stepping closer, her voice soft—but the concern beneath it unmistakable.
Then her expression shifted.
The gentleness remained, but something firmer settled underneath it. “No matter how much strength I use,” Shinobu continued, quieter now but far more serious, “I shouldn’t be able to throw you off balance that easily.”
Mitsuri didn’t respond.
Shinobu’s gaze searched her face“…Mitsuri,” she called softly, a quiet insistence threading through her tone. “Tell me the truth. Are you alright?”
Silence. It stretched longer than it should have. Mitsuri’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
That alone was enough.
Shinobu exhaled slowly, her posture easing just a fraction as she stepped closer again—this time without any sudden movements.
Gently, she reached out and took Mitsuri’s hand between both of hers.. Her grip wasn’t tight, but it was steady.
“I’m not asking as a slayer,” Shinobu said softly, her voice losing its edge, becoming something quieter… more personal. “I’m asking as your girlfriend.” Her thumbs brushed lightly over Mitsuri’s knuckles. “You don’t have to pretend with me.”
Mitsuri kept her gaze lowered, only lifting it briefly to meet those amethyst eyes—the same eyes that always made her feel safe… and lately, something even warmer. Loved.
Shinobu waited patiently, giving her space, before gently taking Mitsuri by the wrist and guiding her to sit beside her on the futon.
“…Are you upset with me?” Shinobu asked carefully, voicing a possibility she hadn’t been able to shake—that perhaps the problem… was her.
“Of course not!” Mitsuri looked up for the first time that night, shaking her head firmly.
With that possibility gone, Shinobu felt her worry deepen.
“So you really were just feeling unwell… and I was overthinking things?” she murmured, a faint flush of embarrassment warming her cheeks.
Mitsuri let out a soft, almost airy laugh and shook her head again, a small spark of her usual brightness breaking through.
After a few seconds of silence, she sighed.
“I’ve just been thinking a lot lately…” Mitsuri began quietly. “Silly things—I know I shouldn’t let them get to me… even comparing things to my past relationships, and when I really think about it, they’re so stupid… ugh.” She let out another sigh, this one edged with frustration—clearly directed at herself.
Shinobu’s brows drew together slightly, unsure how to take that. “Hey… if something is bothering you, then it’s not as silly as it seems.”
Mitsuri blinked at that, her eyes widening just a little.
“It’s just that… I noticed you don’t want your sisters to know about our relationship,” she continued, quickly adding, “which is completely understandable! It’s all still so new, and not everyone is comfortable with these kinds of relationships—I’m not questioning that at all!”
Shinobu’s eyes widened in surprise, but she stayed quiet, letting her continue.
“And maybe…” Mitsuri hesitated, her voice softening, “maybe you’re a little embarrassed that it’s me you’re dating. I mean… don’t you think it’s already a lot just being my friend? Putting up with my appetite, or my strength when we train…” She let out a small, self-conscious laugh. “I just mean—I completely understand why you’d feel that way.”
Her gaze dropped again. “And it kind of made me think about how things ended with my ex-fiancé… because of me,” she added quietly. “But you don’t have to feel bad about it. I know that… well… it’s my fault.”
Shinobu parted her lips to speak, her thoughts still carefully arranging themselves into something gentle, something reassuring—but Mitsuri spoke first, her words tumbling out before Shinobu could catch them.
“And all of this started because a slayer suggested I train with you a few days ago!” Mitsuri blurted out in a high, flustered squeak, her voice rising at the end as she hastily covered her burning face with both hands. “You could be with someone so much better than me…”
Those last words struck something sharp inside Shinobu.
For a brief moment, everything in her mind went still.
With her near nonexistent experience in romantic relationships, she found herself completely unprepared—her lips parting, closing, then parting again as she searched, almost desperately, for the right words. Something to reassure her. Something to undo the damage those thoughts had already caused.
But nothing came. Nothing… except the truth.
“But I love you!” The words escaped her all at once—quick, unfiltered, and far louder than she intended.
The room fell silent.
Mitsuri’s hands dropped instantly from her face, her head snapping up as if pulled by the confession itself.
Her eyes widened, shimmering with something fragile and bright, her lips parting in pure, unguarded surprise. “E-eeeeh?” she breathed out, the sound trembling between disbelief and hope, her cheeks still flushed as her gaze locked onto Shinobu.
Shinobu froze. Her own eyes widened a fraction—and then realization crashed down on her all at once. Heat rushed to her face in an instant.
Without thinking, she brought both hands up to cover her mouth, as if she could somehow take the words back, her fingers pressing lightly against her lips. Her eyes squeezed shut, her shoulders stiffening as she turned her face slightly away, avoiding Mitsuri’s gaze entirely.
She had said it. Just like that. And now there was no taking it back.
Shinobu remained frozen for a moment too long.
Then she cleared her throat quickly, dropping her hands from her mouth and turning her face slightly away, as if she could simply move past what had just slipped out. “A-anyway—that’s not the point,” she said, a little too quickly.
Mitsuri blinked, still wide-eyed, her lips slightly parted—but Shinobu pressed on before she could respond.
“I’m not embarrassed,” she continued, forcing her tone back into something steadier, even if the warmth lingering on her cheeks betrayed her. “Not of you. Not of us.”
This time, she looked directly at her.
“I didn’t tell my sisters right away because I knew what would happen,” Shinobu went on, letting out a small, exasperated sigh. “They would tease me. Relentlessly.”
A brief pause.
“…Which they did.” A faint, almost reluctant huff escaped her. “I only kept it to myself for a few weeks,” she added, crossing her arms lightly, “but I told them recently.”
“…You did?” Mitsuri asked, her voice softer now.
“I didn’t have much of a choice,” Shinobu replied flatly. “They cornered me. Quite literally.” For a moment, there was a flicker of annoyance on her face—before it softened again as her gaze settled back on Mitsuri.
“And as for the rest…” she continued, her voice lowering, more sincere now. “I have never—not once—regretted being your friend.”
Mitsuri stilled completely.
“Not since the day you arrived,” Shinobu said, her gaze steady. “Not since I treated your injuries at the mansion for the first time.”
The memory lingered in her tone—gentle, but meaningful.
“From the very beginning, you’ve only ever been…” she paused briefly, searching— “…important to me.”
Mitsuri’s eyes softened.
Shinobu’s expression shifted again. Her brows knit together, and a small, unmistakably annoyed crease formed between them—though it carried a strangely comical edge, like she wasn’t entirely used to being this openly irritated.
“And don’t compare me to your ex-fiancé again,” she added, more firmly this time.
Mitsuri blinked in surprise.
“That has nothing to do with me,” Shinobu continued, her tone sharpening just a little. “And it certainly has nothing to do with you as you are now.” She huffed lightly, looking away for a split second—only to look back with that same stubborn, almost indignant expression. “…And frankly,” she added, her voice taking on a faint, sarcastic edge, “your ex-fiancé was clearly a complete fool.”
Mitsuri froze.
“A remarkable fool, even,” Shinobu went on, now fully committed, a hint of dry exaggeration slipping into her tone. “To fail to appreciate someone like you—your kindness, your sincerity, your… everything, really.” She crossed her arms again, giving a small, unimpressed tilt of her head.
“Honestly, I question his judgment entirely.”
Mitsuri stared at her—and then, slowly, a small laugh slipped out. Soft at first then a little brighter.
Her smile returned, warmer now, touched with something lighter than before.
Shinobu glanced at her from the corner of her eye, still holding onto that faintly annoyed expression. “…Good,” she muttered quietly, though the slightest hint of relief softened her voice.
Mitsuri looked at her for a moment longer, her smile lingering—soft, a little brighter than before. “…Thank you,” she said quietly.
Shinobu blinked, caught slightly off guard. “For what?”
Mitsuri hesitated, her fingers fidgeting lightly in her lap before she let out a small, breathy laugh. “I’m… not entirely sure,” she admitted, her voice warm despite the uncertainty. “But… thank you.”
The sincerity in it made something in Shinobu’s chest tighten. And, unfortunately, made the heat rush straight to her face.
She quickly looked away, her composure cracking in the smallest of ways as her fingers began absently smoothing and tugging at the fabric of her pants.
A very stubborn part of her hoped—irrationally—that Mitsuri had somehow forgotten what she had said earlier. (It was, admittedly, a foolish hope.)
The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable just… quieter.
But Shinobu’s gaze flickered back to Mitsuri—and lingered. There was still something off.
“…Mitsuri,” she said after a moment, her tone shifting again—gentler, but with an underlying firmness. “Have you been eating properly?”
The change was immediate. Mitsuri froze. Her shoulders tensed almost imperceptibly, her smile faltering as her gaze dropped to her hands. A flicker of guilt crossed her face—quick, but impossible to miss.
“…I—” she hesitated, her fingers curling into the fabric of her skirt. “…I’ve been trying to control my appetite a little.”
Shinobu’s brows drew together.
“So that you wouldn’t have to cook so much whenever I visit the mansion,” Mitsuri continued softly, her voice shrinking with each word, “or… when we go out together and you’re the one paying…” She trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper.
For a second, Shinobu just stared at her. Processing.
“That’s ridiculous.”
Mitsuri flinched slightly, startled by the bluntness.
Shinobu leaned forward, her expression firm—though the faint flush on her cheeks betrayed how personally she was taking this.
“My salary from missions,” she began, her tone precise, almost clinical at first, “is allocated for two very important things.” She raised a finger. “Developing my poisons.” A second finger followed. “And taking you out.”
Mitsuri blinked.
Shinobu crossed her arms, her expression shifting into something faintly indignant—almost offended. “So if anything,” she added, tilting her head slightly, “you are actively interfering with my carefully planned expenses.”
Mitsuri stared at her. “…I am?” she asked, completely thrown off.
“Precisely,” Shinobu replied without missing a beat. “Do you have any idea how inconvenient that is?”
The seriousness in her tone paired with the complete absurdity of what she was saying broke something.
Mitsuri let out a soft laugh.
Until it grew into something brighter, freer, her shoulders relaxing as the tension melted away. “I’m sorry,” she said between small bursts of laughter, covering her mouth slightly. “I didn’t realize I was causing such a problem.”
“You are,” Shinobu insisted, though a faint smile was already threatening to betray her.
Mitsuri’s laughter softened into a warm, lingering smile, her eyes shining again. “I’ll make sure to eat properly then,” she said gently, a playful note slipping into her voice. “For your… budget.”
Shinobu huffed quietly, turning her face away just a little.“…See that you do.” But the slight upward curve of her lips gave her away completely.
After that necessary conversation, Mitsuri relaxed considerably.
About ten minutes later, the two of them found themselves lying face to face on Mitsuri’s bed. Shinobu was still dressed in her uniform and haori, while Mitsuri wore a soft pink-and-white kimono that only made her look even gentler.
Mitsuri began asking about Shinobu’s day—small things at first, then more: her upcoming projects, her work with patients, the experiments she had been focusing on. Her voice carried a quiet curiosity, as if simply hearing about Shinobu’s routine brought her comfort.
Shinobu answered just as quietly, occasionally adding dry remarks that earned soft laughter in return. She knew she would have to go back to the mansion eventually. Inevitably.
But a few more minutes here, beside Mitsuri, felt worth any scolding Kanae might give her later for leaving without notice—and for returning so late.
The room fell into one of those comfortable silences again, the kind that lingered without pressure. And then “…I love you too.” Mitsuri’s voice was barely above a whisper.
Shinobu’s shoulders tensed instantly. Her eyes opened slowly, almost cautiously, until they met Mitsuri’s bright green gaze.
“…Is that true?” Shinobu asked, her voice quieter now, threaded with a hint of nervousness she couldn’t quite hide.
Mitsuri didn’t look away.
“Yes,” she said softly, after a brief pause. “I’m very much in love with you.” Her eyes seemed to shine even brighter as she spoke.
Mitsuri didn’t wait much longer. The moment stretched—soft, quiet, fragile—and then she leaned in, slowly, giving Shinobu just enough time to pull away if she wanted to, she didn’t.
Their lips met in a gentle, almost shy kiss.
At first, it was light—just a careful brush, warm and tentative. Mitsuri lingered there, as if testing the waters, her breath soft against Shinobu’s skin.
Then she pressed in again, slightly firmer this time.
The rhythm built naturally, each kiss a little longer than the last, a little more certain. Mitsuri shifted closer on the bed, closing whatever space remained between them until Shinobu could feel the warmth of her completely.
Shinobu’s breath hitched. She wasn’t used to this. There was a brief hesitation in her movements—her lips slow to respond at first, unsure, her posture just a little too stiff.
But Mitsuri noticed immediately and instead of rushing her, she softened. Her kisses became slower, more deliberate—lingering just enough to guide rather than overwhelm. She tilted her head slightly, adjusting the angle, brushing their lips together in a way that silently showed Shinobu how to follow.
A quiet exhale slipped from Mitsuri between kisses, soft and warm, the faintest hum of contentment escaping her.
Shinobu felt it and something in her eased. Her lips began to move more naturally against Mitsuri’s, responding instead of simply receiving. The tension in her shoulders melted little by little as she let herself follow that rhythm, that warmth.
Their breaths began to mingle.
The kisses deepened—not rushed, but more certain now, each one drawing them further into the moment.
Still, Shinobu’s hands hovered awkwardly at first, uncertain, fingers twitching slightly as if unsure where they were meant to be.
Mitsuri pulled back just barely, enough to look at her for a split second—eyes soft, fond. Then she reached for Shinobu’s hands. Her fingers laced with hers for a moment, grounding, before guiding them down slowly.
Until Shinobu’s hands came to rest at her waist. Shinobu inhaled sharply, her fingers instinctively tightening just a fraction against the fabric of Mitsuri’s kimono.
Mitsuri smiled—soft, pleased—and leaned in again.
This time, the kiss was deeper. More confident.
She tilted her head again, pressing closer, her movements fluid and natural as she drew Shinobu along with her. One of her hands slid up to rest lightly against Shinobu’s side, steadying her, while the other remained loosely intertwined with her fingers.
Soft breaths escaped between them, uneven now, quiet and warm against each other’s lips.
Shinobu followed not perfectly but willingly. Her grip at Mitsuri’s waist grew a little firmer, her body leaning in without hesitation this time, her earlier uncertainty slowly giving way to something more instinctive—something that matched Mitsuri’s warmth.
The kisses slowed eventually—not because the feeling faded, but because it settled.
“I should go…” Shinobu whispered, a trace of reluctance in her voice as her hand lingered, gently brushing along her girlfriend’s waist over the fabric of her kimono.
“Do you have to?” Mitsuri asked with a small pout, even though she knew she would have to let her go eventually.
“Unfortunately, yes…” Shinobu replied softly. “But we can go on that mission tomorrow—if you’re feeling up to it.” Her tone shifted just slightly, a familiar hint of firmness returning. “And more importantly, if you actually eat enough to satisfy your appetite.”
Mitsuri gave a small, guilty nod before quickly straightening, determination lighting up her expression. “I will! I promise I’ll be ready for our mission tomorrow.”
Shinobu let out a quiet laugh at her renewed enthusiasm before pushing herself up with ease, rising gracefully from the futon.
Mitsuri followed right after—though it took her just a bit more effort, her recent lack of proper meals clearly catching up to her. “It would be best if I—”
The words never finished.
The door suddenly slid open with force, the abrupt sound startling both of them.
Mitsuri’s eyes widened as she turned, immediately spotting Senjuro standing at the doorway, visibly shaken. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he leaned against the frame, a crumpled piece of paper clutched tightly in his trembling hands.
“Senjuro-kun? Are you alright? What happened?” Mitsuri asked at once, her voice filled with concern as she stepped toward him.
Shinobu, meanwhile, froze where she stood, she wasn’t sure what to do.
The boy looked deeply distressed—whatever was written in that letter had clearly shaken him—and Shinobu couldn’t tell if she was intruding on something far more important.
“Nii-san! He—” Senjuro tried to speak, but the words broke apart as tears suddenly spilled from his eyes. His hand trembled as he lifted the letter slightly, as if that alone could explain everything.
Mitsuri took the letter into her trembling hands before letting out a small, startled gasp.