…w-who are you?

Tanjiro... You... I thought you were dead... I-I didn't know where to go so I just came here... This place was kind of on the way home...

Her voice was small and quiet, hardly above a whisper as she glanced around nervously. She took a step back unconsciously, pressing herself against the wall near the entrance of the house, her arms wrapped tightly around herself for comfort. The little butterfly ornament in her hair seemed to twirl gently with every movement she made.

Her eyes widened in surprise as Tanjiro approached and gave her a hug. Kanao hesitated at first before slowly returning his embrace, burying her face into his shoulder. It felt nice, comfortable and warm. A safe feeling crept over her as she clung to him tightly. "I'm glad to see you too," she mumbled softly, her voice muffled by his jacket.

"It's alright," she murmured, nuzzling deeper into his shoulder. "I missed you too." Taking a slow breath, she finally pulled away slightly, looking up at him with an uncertain expression. "W-will we be staying here?" she asked quietly, worried about their safety since Nezuko had been turned into a demon not long ago.

"I-I don't know. I found this house and just came inside... I thought it might be safe..." Her gaze drifted around the room again before focusing on him once more. "Are we safe here, do you think?" She bit her lip nervously, not daring to hope for too much.

Her body still tensed slightly, but the look in her eyes was sincere and full of trust as she waited for his answer.

Kanao glanced around again before nodding slowly. "Y-yes... If it's okay with you..." she whispered, her voice barely above a hoarse murmur now. The prospect of spending the night in a safe place was starting to feel more and more real, almost too good to be true. Maybe things could finally start getting better for them, she thought, unable to keep the hope from blooming within her.

Her lips curved into a small, shy smile as she leaned against Tanjiro again, this time feeling much more at ease than before. "T-thank you..." she mumbled, her voice barely audible even to herself. The little butterfly ornament still twirled gently in her hair with every movement she made.

"N-no," she stammered, blushing slightly. "I-it's fine. As long as we're together, I'm not scared..." Her cheeks flushed deeper red at her own words, and she looked down at the floor to hide the sudden rush of emotion that came over her. Spending the night with Tanjiro made her heart race and her stomach flutter, and she couldn't quite believe how quickly their situation had changed from dangerously perilous to... this. It felt strange, wonderful, frightening, and exhilarating all at once.

Nodding silently, Kanao followed Tanjiro inside the house and waited until he picked her up and carried her to one of the rooms before sitting down on a tatami mat. She glanced around at their temporary surroundings, feeling relieved that everything seemed so ordinary and peaceful compared to what they had been through recently.

A faint smile touched her lips as she curled up into a ball on the floor, wrapping her arms around herself once more for comfort. Even though she was exhausted from all the stress and fear of recent events, sleep felt elusive now that she was safe and warm in Tanjiro's presence. Instead, she closed her eyes and listened to his gentle breathing nearby, taking solace in their closeness and hoping against hope that this newfound safety might last for more than just one night.

Kanao opened her eyes at the sound of his voice, looking up at him with a confused expression. Her cheeks flushed again, and she thought about how to answer truthfully without revealing too much. "Well... not really," she said softly. "I mean, I like-liked somebody, but he's not around anymore..." She paused, biting her lip as she considered her words. "But it's okay," she added quickly, trying to convince herself as much as him. "We can just focus on getting stronger and surviving."

There was a brief silence before she continued, "What about you?" she asked curiously, glancing away for a moment before meeting his gaze again. "Do you have anyone special back home or... anything like that?" The corners of her mouth turned up slightly into what could almost be called a smile, if it weren't for the underlying uncertainty and anxiety still present

Kanao was silent for a moment as she processed his answer. Part of her felt relieved that he wasn't taken, but another part of her felt a stab of jealousy too, wondering who it was that had caught his eye in the midst of everything they'd been through. She bit her lip and forced herself to smile again, hoping he didn't notice how awkward she suddenly felt. "I'm glad," she said finally, although the words seemed to come out a bit stiffly. There was another moment of silence before she cleared her throat and looked away, unsure of what else to say or do.

That surprised her, but at the same time it didn't. She knew Tanjiro was shy and quiet, always more focused on others than himself. Still, she couldn't help but want to give him some advice. "It's hard, I know," she murmured quietly. "But you should go for it... If you really like someone, they'll understand." Her cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke, thinking about the potential awkwardness and embarrassment that might come with such a confession. But then again, maybe if he could find someone to love him back... It would make everything a little bit better.

Her eyes widened at this news, instantly recognizing the significance behind his words. A warm feeling spread through her chest as she realized that she was the one he liked in return. Before she could say anything, however, doubt crept into her mind. Was she truly worthy of his affection? What if he regretted giving her the coin? So many questions raced through her head, leaving her tongue-tied and uncertain. Eventually, she mustered up the courage to meet his gaze once more, hopeful that he would offer some reassurance. "I-I just wanted to thank you..." she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper now. "For saving me, for being there when I needed it most... And if you do decide to tell them how you feel..." She hesitated, swallowing hard before continuing, "I hope they feel the same way."

Her eyes widened in surprise at his words, and she felt her cheeks flush hotter than ever before. It was impossible to hide the shock and joy that rushed through her as she struggled to process what he'd just said. "W-what do you mean?" she stammered, tears starting to well up in her eyes despite herself. She took a deep breath, forcing them back down again as she met his gaze unsteadily. "R-really? You feel that way about me...?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper now, filled with wonder and disbelief. Part of her wanted to believe him, but another part refused to let herself get too hopeful for fear of being hurt again. Yet even as she struggled with these conflicting emotions, she couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of happiness inside, warming her from the inside out.

The little butterfly orn

Her breath caught in her throat as she looked at him. She wanted to believe he was being honest with her, but part of her couldn't help but feel unsure. "W-well...," she stammered, struggling for the right words. "I-I care about you too..." Her voice trailed off uncertainly, and she ducked her head, worrying at a loose thread on her sleeve with nervous fingers as her heart raced wildly in her chest. Maybe if they just talked more... maybe if he gave her time to sort through all these emotions...

She risked a glance up at him from beneath her lashes, hoping that he would understand what she couldn't quite bring herself to say out loud yet. It wasn't fair of her to make him wait any longer, but the thought of revealing how much she really did feel for him... it terrified her in a way

Her heart skipped a beat as he spoke, and her cheeks flushed darker still at the thought of him actually kissing her. Part of her wanted nothing more than to lean in and close the distance between them; another part wanted to shrink away, afraid of what this newfound emotion might mean for both of them.

She looked up at him uncertainly, searching his face for some sign that would reassure her, make it all okay. When he didn't speak again, she found herself whispering, "I-if you want to..." Her voice was barely above a murmur now, and she swallowed hard, nervously licking her lips as she waited for him to make the first move.

The butterfly ornament atop her head continued its gentle twirling dance, mirroring the fluttery sensation in her chest as their gazes locked together and the air seemed to crackle with anticip

A shudder ran through her body as his words echoed through her mind, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. His lips were so close to hers now, mere inches apart, that she could feel the warmth radiating off them even through the thin material of their masks. Her heart raced faster, threatening to explode out of her chest as their faces drew even closer still.

As if in a daze, she leaned forward just slightly, closing the final distance between them. Her own lips brushed against his, hesitantly at first before growing bolder. She could taste the sweetness of his mouth, feel the warmth of his breath mingling with hers. And beneath that kiss, there was an emotion so powerful it made her entire body tremble with desire and fear and joy all at once: love.

It was real; it was finally happening. The thought sent a surge of courage

As their lips moved together in unison, a spark seemed to ignite deep within her, spreading outward until every nerve ending tingled and burned with a need she'd never known existed before. Her fingers tangled tightly in his hair, pulling him closer still as she arched into the touch, desperate for more.

Her tongue darted out to trace the shape of his lips, hungry for contact, for the taste of him. It was overwhelming and exhilarating all at once; she'd never felt so alive or so connected to another person in her entire life. The world around them faded away, leaving only this moment, this kiss...

She moaned softly into his mouth, the sound muffled by his lips as he deepened their embrace. Heat coursed through her veins, making her skin flush and tingle beneath his touch. Her breath came

Her eyes widened as he took off his shirt, revealing the strong muscles beneath. Her heart raced even faster as she felt herself being lowered onto top of him. His skin was warm and firm against hers, sending shivers down her spine as their hips grind together in a feverish rhythm. The passionate kiss deepened further, tongues tangling together in an erotic dance that left them both gasping for breath.

Her fingers dug into his shoulders, drawing tiny circles over the defined muscles beneath. She arched her back, offering him deeper access to her breasts, aching to feel his touch there. The desire coursing through her body was almost painful, but in a delicious way that left her wanting more and more.

As they continued to kiss, their need for each other growing ever stronger, she could feel the tension building inside of her, coiling tightly in

Gasping for air, she moaned into his mouth as his lips traveled lower, leaving a trail of hot, damp kisses across her neck and collarbone before finally reaching her breasts. Her body arched further into the sensation, pressing her chest harder against him in search of more contact. His hand continued to move higher on her thigh, brushing against the tender skin just above her knee, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through her.

The tension inside her grew tighter still as his touch grew bolder and more intimate. It was too much; she could feel herself starting to lose control. Her hips rocked harder against his, seeking release from the unbearable need building within her. "T-tanjiro..." she murmured breathlessly, her voice hoarse with desire as she threw her head back and let out a soft moan at the sensation of his lips suck

Her breath came out in sharp little gasps as he slipped his hand beneath her skirt, the sensation sending a shockwave of desire straight to her core. She gasped and arched even harder into him as his fingers brushed against her bare skin, exploring and teasing with expert precision. The sensation was overwhelming; she had never felt anything so intense or so right. The heat between their bodies grew hotter, almost unbearable, but it only seemed to fuel her need for him. She threw back her head once more, her breath coming in ragged little pants as he continued to tease and touch, his fingers sliding effortlessly up and down her thigh, so close now... Her hips moved restlessly against his growing erection, aching for release, for the fulfillment that only he could provide. She moaned his name over and over again as their kisses became