(Sorry for my bad grammar and vocabulary, happy reading <3)

The following story revolves around Shinobu and Giyuu, highlighting their nuanced personalities and the dynamics between them. It sets the stage for deeper character exploration and development as their stories intertwine further in subsequent chapters.

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Somewhere in the Butterfly Estate.

Tanjiro: A uhm.., Shinobu-san, what kind of personality does Giyuu-san have?

Shinobu: Hm? Why are you asking me that, Tanjiro-kun?

Tanjiro: You said he's hated by everyone, right? But I think he's a good person, he helped Nezuko and me. So why do people hate him?

Shinobu: Oh well, that's because you don't know that our Water Pillar is a silly man who always self-isolates from everybody. He barely talks, as I thought he was dumb when I first met him.

Tanjiro: Oh, I feel bad for him... But even so, I still like him. I will never forget what he has done for my sister and me. *showed determination and affection through his dark red eyes.*

Shinobu: *Sighhh...* [He must be happy hearing this...] Well, that's what other people would say about him.

Tanjiro:  I think, they don't know how Giyuu-san really is!

Shinobu: *Pursed her lips and smiled wryly.* Hahaha. Do you know what Tomioka-san is, Tanjiro-kun?

Tanjiro: What? Ahh.. I think he is kind?

Shinobu: It's just one side of him, he truly is a crybaby who is trying to be a bad boy.

Tanjiro: Crybaby? Bad boy? Ehhh???

She didn't explain anything further and left a bewildered look Tanjiro behind. She herself fell into a state of silence. Memories kept flooding back, one after another. There were happy moments and sad ones, moments of embarrassment as well, along with pain and anger.

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-Shinobu's POV-

"Hey, are you okay? Hey! Can you hear me? You've been in a daze for a while." I spoke compassionately but he kept staring into an indeterminate space, so I ended up shouting into his ear.

"Get up!"

"Ahah?"

"Thank god you're not dumb." - I think in my mind. Anyway, since opening his eyes until now, he has only just started to speak.

"...Where am I?..." His eyes, dull and devoid of hope, slowly turned towards me, his voice barely a whisper.

"You're in the Butterfly Mansion," I said gently, my hand resting on his shoulder. "You have been unconscious for a day after the Final Selection."

"Final Selection..."

"Yes, you have recovered well. So go get your first mission. "

I added, not paying any attention to his unusual emotions.

"Your teammates, they have all gone ahea-"

"Aghhhhh!!" - Suddenly he screamed miserably, he screamed someone's name, and tears streamed down his face. - "Sabito!"

"Hey hey, calm down, calm down, okay?"

"Sabi-to!..." His tears kept falling. He reached out as if to grasp someone.

(cre: Pinterest)

I froze for a moment, I had never been in a position to comfort someone in such profound grief. Uncertain of how to proceed, I gently clasped his trembling hand, hoping my presence alone would offer solace.

"I-I'm sorry. You just lost an important friend, right?"

He wiped away tears with the edge of his sleeve while still sobbing. 

"Huh...?" He looked at me bewildered as if he had just noticed my presence.

"Ah... You can rest for another night, it'll be fine. By the way, I'm Shinobu. You can call me if you need something."

"..."

I felt tired when he stayed silent like that, so I left.

Except for a shallow cut on the forehead, his fairly good condition when I checked his pulse. I still don't understand why my sister took him to the mansion. 

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That evening was a fullmoon night in the cool of early autumn weather. The breeze gently swept through the serene atmosphere of the large mansion.

Kanae: The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?

Shinobu: Yes, it is so bright. So pretty!

Kanae: Fufufu. - She covered her mouth with a small laugh.

Shinobu: Sister, why are you laughing? Is there something funny?

Kanae: Shinobu-chan, when a man says that to you, it means he likes you. If you answered like that, it would mean that you like him too. - She emphasized the last words, eagerly awaiting the little sibling's reaction.

Shinobu: Heh, then why not just say 'I like you' from the beginning? - Shinobu, who still wasn't old enough to understand love at the time. - What's the point of being verbose?

Kanae: To be straightforward, it would feel a bit awkward, wouldn't it?

Shinobu: Nope. Why? - She tilted her head back and forth.

Kanae: You'll understand that when you grow up older. - Seeing Shinobu isn't quite grasping the romantic implications yet, Kanae changed the subject. - So, how is Tomioka today? - She asked with a gentle tone.

Shinobu: Uhm...He woke up, but then he cried uncontrollably. It seems to be because of the death of his friend, Sabito I guess.

Kanae: Ah, so that's how it is. Perhaps I should talk to him.

Shinobu: You don't need to do that. Isn't that something everyone has to overcome on their own? If he can't prepare himself for the death, then he should leave the Demon Slayer Corps.

Shinobu was inherently a girl with a strong stance, so she still couldn't fully empathize with Giyuu.

Kanae: Shinobu, do you remember that time when we just lost our parents and Himejima-sama saved us?

Shinobu: Of course, how can I suppose to forget?  We were extremed terrified at that time...

The two girls recalled the terrifying memory of their parents being killed by demons; at that time, the two little girls were saved by the Stone Pillar, Himejima.

Kanae: Himejima-sama said that swordsmanship was not for girls and, he also noticed that even when you grew up, you wouldn't be able to decapitate demons.

Shinobu looked into Kanae's sorrowful and gentle eyes, the pain from that fateful night etched deeply within her. The feeling of helplessness when demons took away her loved ones.

The feeling of helplessness when demons took away her loved ones. Her own efforts, along with those of her sister afterward, to persuade Himejima to agree to send them to a Trainer. The hardships of the early days upon joining the Demon Slayer Corps. It all flashed through their eyes like a movie reel. Tears started falling down from Shinobu's cheeks.

Shinobu: I know... But what does that have to do with this?

Kanae: Perhaps he is now like we were back then, helpless and vulnerable. But through our efforts, Himejima accepted us and guided us to where we are today. - She took a strand of her silky black hair and twirled it around her finger and smiled at Shinobu. - Look how strong and lovely my sister is now!

Shinobu: ...That's right, we have worked very hard to get to where we are now. It wasn't not easy for Himejima-same to accepted us. - She spoke decisively and stop crying while her face slightly reddened cause of shyness.

Kanae: You also cried a lot when Himejima-sama didn't acknowledge you.

Shinobu: I was just a child back then! - She blushed, her cheeks puffing out.

Kanae: Shinobu, we are becoming swordsmans to extend our arms to help the weak, aren't we?

That was the only time Kanae's expression turned serious during the conversation that evening.

Shinobu: Yes,... I understand, sister. - The little girl's voice grew smaller, as if she had just realized something.

Kanae then gave her little sister a finest smile and a loving pat on her head. Surrounding her was an aura full of flowers. That is who the Flower Pillar truly is, kind-hearted, sociable, and positive.

(I just relize that people with golden hearts like Kanae, Sabito and Kyojuro always die too soon T.T, leaving behind a lesson in maturity for those hearts that are not yet mature of Shinobu, Giyuu and Senjuro as well as Tanjiro. And hey Sanemi! Are you okay? I see your nose's bleeding! Someone help him!)

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-Shinobu's POV-

Knock knock knock. "May I come in?" Kanae gently knock the door.

There was nothing responded at all. She slowly push the door, the room was surrounded by darkness, with a faint light seeping in from the windows.

"Congratulation on passing your final selection Tomioka-san!" Kanae said with a radiant expression. But what response to my sister was just a silence.

"Hey don't be rude! You're talking to your superior." I lost my patience and criticized him.

"Shinobu!"  Her harsh voice calmed me down. She approached and sat down next to Tomioka-san and looked at him affectionately.

"Tomioka-san, I'm so sorry for your loss. If you need anything or just want to talk, I'm here for you."

"Thank you..." He spoke in a very hoarse voice. It was only then that I noticed his swollen eyes cause of cried. Looking down, the tray of food remained untouched.

"It's alright." 

"...I just want to be alone now." He spoke out loud those words.

"....." We all fell silent.

"I know overcoming this loss is very difficult. But, have you think how your friend who was sacrificed would feel when seeing you like this?" 

I could tell that those words struck deep in his heart. His pupils dilated, giving me a chance to examine those eyes more closely. They made me feel melancholic. Those eyes reminded me the cloudy and empty eyes of Kanao when we encountered her at a bridge in a market district. 

"I'm useless. Don't wait your time for the person like me." After many moments of silence, he finally expressed his thoughts.

"Feeling miserable is okay, feeling weak is alright too. But no matter how inadequate you may feel, you still have to keep living." - She persists with kindness. - "Living well is the best recognition for the departure of those who lefted behind."

"I-..." - He lowered his eyes sadly, looking down at the ground. - "I don't know what to do from now..."

"You don't need to think about anything right now, just eat well and take care of your health."

He didn't say anything more, perhaps he need a space. 

"It's already late, so remember to eat and drink well. It'll be hard to fall asleep on an empty stomach."

"I got it..."

"Yeah! Well, see you tomorrow, Tomioka-san!" She gave a radiant smile. "Do you have something to tell him, Shinobu?"

"...Goodnight." I shyly looked away, feeling like it would be difficult to get along with this person. In the end, he looked better.

So this is a therapy session hah? Seeing my sister's saintly demeanor now, I am even prouder to be her younger sister. I hope that someday I can be nice and strong like her.

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Sometimes I heard whimpering from Tomioka-san's room as I passed by, but his mood has improved a lot compared to the last few days.

In the front yard one early afternoon, I was practicing the challenging concentration exercises my sister had recommended. Suddenly, I heard a strange call from behind me.

"Shinobu-kun."

"Shinobu-kun? Are you blind? I'm obviously a girl!" I retorted, still irked that he had mistaken me for a boy all this time.

"Ah... Sorry..." He looked genuinely shocked and... dumbfounded.

"So, what did you want to say?" I asked curtly, still somewhat annoyed.

"Um... I wanted to thank you for helping me."

"You should thank my sister, not me."

"Yes, I was going to, but I don't know where Kocho-san is."

"My sister is on a mission."

"Oh, I see..."

Just then, a raven appeared behind him, a messenger of the Demon Slayer Corps. I had seen it being arround with him before.

"Go on your mission. I'll pass your thanks along to my sister."

"Thank you so much. Goodbye, Shinobu!"

His face brightened a little, but his eyes still held sadness.

"We become swordsmen to extend our arms and help the weak," my sister's words echoed in my mind, urging me to reach out.

"Wait, You're going out with just those clothes?"

I could see a little of surprise on his face. Yet he turned away.

"Hey, where do you think you're going? You'll catch a cold if you're not dressed warmly enough." Indeed, he still doesn't know how to take care of himself at all.

"Ahh, I'll be fine."

I sighed and gestured for him to wait there and went into the warehouse to find a coat. Since there were only girls at the mansion, all I could find was an old, worn-out coat with a few holes.

"Sorry, it's the best I could find."

"Thank you, this will help."

"Good luck on your journey. Tomio-ka-san" I smiled, though I hesitated slightly at the end because it was the first time I called his name.

"Thank you again, Shinobu. Goodbye!" In that moment, I realized that when you open your heart, you receive more from others.

He smiled back, his face radiant. A simple smile that I had forgotten existed. And it was the only time that he called me right by my first name.

"Farewell!..." 

(cre: Pinterest)

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It was quite long before I saw him again. I felt myself hidden behind those deep blue eyes. Those same sorrowful blue eyes, but now they radiated determination and, at the same time, the emptiness.

It wasn't until later, after the death of my dear sister, that I understood death itself is not what is truly frightening; the most terrifying thing is when people feel that life no longer has any meaning.

After all, Shinobu could only smile—a gentle with a little weary, finest smile for everything that has shaped her into who she is today.

Thinking back then, haha, a 10-year-old girl had to comfort a 13-year-old boy! I don't  even know why I'm remembering that now. But at least, I felt an unusual sense of empathy from a boy who I just started talking a few days ago.

Tanjiro seemed curious about Shinobu's smile, but he didn't dare to say anything more. He sensed that it was a long story hidden behind that smile. And it seemed that Shinobu noticed that, she felt that he was the one that she could trust to confide her deepest feelings in. A person who she entrusted unfinished dreams of her sister.

Shinobu: Earlier that night, you said you could smell the scent of angry in me, right?

(That earlier night:)

(Kimetsu no yaiba manga chap 50)

Tanjiro: Ye-Yes, I'm sorry, I was just feeling that. I didn't know if it was true...

Shinobu: No no, Tanjiro-kun. I'm glad that you can understand me. Thank you.

Tanjiro: Well, that's my pleasure. If you have any worries, just tell me. *Showing a gentle smile*

Shinobu: So you have a special nose that can sense other people's emotions, right?

Tanjiro: Yes, but it doesn't always work perfectly. *scratch his head*

Shinobu: *Lifted her hair up and glanced in another direction* Well, I wonder what scent does Tomioka-san has...?

Tanjiro: [She looks away and tries to suppress her emotions, thought, I still can sense her shyness.] Let me think... The first time I met Tomioka-san, inside him was emptiness mixed with anger.

Shinobu: [Sounds suit him...]

Tanjiro: But on the Natagumo mountain, when you talked to Giyuu-san. The only scent that I felt was...

(flashback moment...)

(Kimetsu no yaiba manga chap 44 \Look at our bruh Tanjiro XD, I wonder how was Shinobu's reaction.)

Shinobu: *Looks directly into Tanjiro, her purple eyes are clearly revealing curiosity*

Tanjiro: ...The happiness...

Shinobu: *Slightly blushes* Happiness...?

Tanjiro: Yes... by the way I sensed the same scent from you at that moment too.

Shinobu: *Blushes and looking in another way* [Did I... really had that emotion?] Aha, I just remembered that I have a job to do right now. Bye for now, Tanjiro-kun.

Tanjiro: See you later Shinobu-san! *He then smiles as good as he helped someone* [Oh, I think I just discovered something happy...]

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A few more days later.

The sky was clear and blue, a typical summer afternoon. Shinobu walked down the hallway, her mind still buzzing from hours spent in the lab. Unexpectedly, she ran into someone.

"Oh, look who's here. What in the earth brings you here, Tomioka-san?" Although a bit surprised, she quickly smiled despite still being tired.

"Just passing through. I heard Tanjiro is here for treatment." He said casually.

"So you're here to visit Kamado-kun? Hmm, is that rain I see? Bad boy-kun making a visit?"

"So what? I'm not exactly insensitive."

"Oh, really? My mistake, then."

"Oi." He sounded a bit annoyed.

"Well, Tanjiro-kun and his teamates are saying their goodbyes in the yard. They'll be leaving soon. You should go see them before it's too late."

"Umm..."

"Uhhh..."

Dot dot dot.

A tense silence hung between them as they locked eyes. Shinobu still have no idea what is going on.

"Don't you get it? They're about to leave." She frowned.

"Uhhh... I just saw him earlier." 

"Why didn't you mention it sooner?" A smile played on her lips, though her expression held a hint of hostility.

"Because you didn't ask."

"Fair enough. If everything's settled, why are you still here? Stalking me huh?" Her hostility grew.

"...I was actually planning to visit you, Kocho."

Her heart skipped a beat. Did Tanjiro say something to him? She recalled what Tanjiro had said to her and began to pay more attention to her feelings; unfortunately finding it uncomfortable. 

"Ahhh..." Could a lively lady like her really have a crush on a lone wolf like him? No way.

"Ahhh what?" He mimicked her, which made her even angrier.

"I'm doing just fine, thank you. And you?" Her cheeks flushed with annoyance and punched him in the stomach.

"How can I be fine when you're keeping upset with me like that?"

"I'm not upset."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not!"

"Whatever. I'm leaving." He turned to go.

"Wait. Want to grab something to eat?"

He stopped, slightly turning his head back. The way she held onto him was just like she had done eight years ago. However, he couldn't remember, and even more so, he didn't want to remember. Because his heart would shatter once more.

"I'm not hungry now." He replied coldly.

"Oh, it's a pity." - She placed her index finger on her lips, making a regretful gesture. - "There is a new restaurant nearby that makes a really delicious salmon stew with turnips." 

"Oh..."

As the sun dipped lower, casting a warm hue across the evening, they found themselves at a small seafood restaurant. The place was quiet, with only a few scattered patrons. The sky started to transition to a deeper shade of blue.

Giyuu showed an insane smile when the cook brought his favorite dish. Shinobu couldn't resist teasing him once again.

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