Your P.O.V.
Where to begin? Perhaps by introducing my long-held crush: Sanemi Shinazugawa. His presence, his very demeanor, strikes me as… captivating. Though I suspect he’s well aware of his own appeal, a fact he’s never let slip to me. As his subordinate, we’re often in close proximity, yet a genuine connection remains elusive. I find myself falling for him with each passing day, despite his consistent coldness.
I’ve offered compliments, small gifts, heartfelt letters, even hand-knitted sweaters. Each offering met the same fate: discarded in the trash. Initially, I’d attributed it to my own inadequacy, believing my gestures weren’t worthy of someone so… formidable. But others insisted I persevere. So, I continue to try, hoping to break through his stoicism.
Today, though, feels different. I have a plan. It won’t be easy, but I’m determined to make the first move.
“Sanemi-Senpai!” I called out, forcing a cheerful tone. I heard him mutter something under his breath before responding, “What is it, dumbass?” I flinched at the sharpness of his words, though I tried to mask my reaction. “Well, you see… since we both have a day off—” I couldn’t finish the sentence before he cut me off. “No. I’m not going anywhere with you. Get off my back, moron.” He turned and walked away, leaving me stung by his dismissive words. My smile faltered, but I refused to surrender.
“Now, please wait just a minute!” If I couldn’t convince him to spend the day *with* me, perhaps we could at least train together. He hardly needed the practice, but I clung to the idea. He stopped, turning back with a frustrated yell. “WHY DO YOU KEEP INSISTING ON BEING FRIENDS WITH ME?!” My eyes widened, my hopes collapsing. He was looking at me with undisguised contempt. “Understand, I don’t want you anywhere near me! I’m not your guardian angel to babysit someone as untalented as you. You’re nothing but an extra. I wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice you to the demons.” A collective gasp rippled through the nearby pillars. Had he truly uttered those words?
Am I… flawed? Is my voice irritating? My face, unwelcome? Are my gifts and praises unwelcome? Am I merely an inconvenience? I lowered my gaze, a lump forming in my throat. “All I want from you is…” I couldn’t articulate the feeling. He’d broken my heart. To suggest sacrificing me to demons, creatures we dedicate our lives to *saving* humans from? It was too much. I turned and fled, tears blurring my vision. My eyes, moments ago bright with hope, now overflowed with sadness and a stubborn, inexplicable love for the man who had so cruelly rejected me. Even after those awful words, I couldn’t bring myself to hate him. He was the one who saved my life, the lives of my family. They were the only people I ever truly cared about.
Sanemi’s P.O.V.
“That’s a low blow, even for you.” Giyuu’s voice was laced with disapproval. Shinobu added, “All the poor girl wanted was to spend time with you. Your talk about sacrificing her to demons should strip you of the title ‘Hashira.’” After their scolding, I watched as she ran back home. They’re good friends, I hear.
Why should I care about her feelings, about this title? I kill demons because they threaten *my* life, *my* brother’s. Her feelings, her thoughts about me… irrelevant. She’s a nuisance.
“Say, Sanemi. Have you read at least one of the letters she gave you? Have you ever opened the boxes of presents she gave you?” Giyuu pressed. “Of course not, moron. Why should I waste my time on something as stupid as she is?” I snapped, and Giyuu merely sighed and turned away. “Well, maybe you should take those letters out of the trash bag and read some. If not all of them. As well as those presents. Perhaps you should unwrap them.” He disappeared after his lecture.
What? Read the letters? Unwrap the gifts? Absurd.
Your P.O.V.
I collapsed onto my pillow, sobbing. His words echoed in my mind. I’d been wrong about him seeing me as a friend. I’m only his subordinate. Nothing more, nothing less… I hoped.
A gentle presence settled beside me, a familiar, sweet scent filling the air. It was Shinobu, my childhood friend. We’d met when we were just five years old. She always offered comfort, especially during times like these.
She slowly sat down at the end of my bed, her usual smile absent. “(Y/N),” she breathed softly. I could feel her hesitation. “What Sanemi said was… harsh. Very harsh, but… we all know how he views those of us who aren’t as respected as him. In other words, not as skilled as us.” Her voice trembled slightly. “I’m very angry at him for saying something like that, but I’m afraid I can’t do anything about his salty tongue.” She offered a small smile. “Maybe you should take a vacation. A trip around the world. Get away from him, from your feelings. Come back when you’re absolutely sure you’re over him.” Her words, contrary to her usual encouragement, felt… necessary. I smiled, tears streaming down my face, and embraced her. “Thank you! That’s exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you!” We spent the rest of the day talking, distracting myself with random topics in my room.
Sanemi’s P.O.V.
I sat on my bed, staring into emptiness when Giyuu’s words resurfaced: “Well, maybe you should take those letters out of the trash bag and read some. If not all of them. As well as those presents.” A damn moron, he is. Why should I waste my time on something like that? But a nagging curiosity, a sliver of guilt, overwhelmed me. I stood and walked to the bin, retrieved a handful of letters and gifts, and sat back down. I began to read.
Hello, Sanemi!
I’m writing to you once again, hoping you’ve read some of my letters before this one. It might be a bit presumptuous, but if you haven’t, that’s okay! As you know, I’m eager to be your friend, perhaps even your best friend. I want you to rely on me, to know I’m always here for you. I want to be someone you can sacrifice everything for. You’re my savior, the only one who can protect me and those I care about… I really, really care about you. Even when we clash, when you hurl insults, I still care. Let’s hang out soon, okay? (:
With love – (Y/N)
Water droplets stained the paper. Was I… crying? All this time, I’d dismissed her, ignored her gifts, her letters. Had I been a fool? Was it too late to fix things? Too late to tell her… I’m sorry? No. I still have time. I can fix this. I have to hurry.
I bolted out of the house, rushing towards her residence. As I neared, I saw Shinobu standing near the gate. It was late. What was she doing here? “Shinobu! Where the hell is (Y/N)?” I demanded. She offered a sad smile. “She left. Might come back in a year or two. Why?” Her words struck like a blow. She’d left… because of me? “Where did she go! I need to find her, damn it!” The insect pillar pointed west. I took off running, not daring to look back, but I could still feel Shinobu’s smirk burning into my back.
Soon, I spotted her, her (H/L) (H/C) hair swinging as she walked. I took a deep breath and yelled, “(Y/N)! Hold on, damn it!” She turned, a sad aura surrounding her. I stopped running and pulled her into a tight embrace. Her body was small in my arms, like holding a kitten. She trembled, but returned the hug. “What changed your mind?” she whispered. “Your letters, baka.” She gasped. “So you read them?” I smiled. “Only one. But it was enough to make me realize what I was losing. I’m sorry.” I tightened my grip, and she squeezed back. “It’s okay. I forgive you. Even after your words, I couldn’t stop loving you.” She chuckled.
I pinched her cheek with my right hand and said, “Let’s start off as friends, alright?” She teared up, a bright smile returning to her face. “Of course! Thank you! Who would’ve thought you had this sweet side to you?” She chuckled at her own words. I realized what I was doing and quickly pulled away, my face burning.
“Idiot! Let’s go home.”