Mitsuri, flushed with shame and anxiety, spiraled into self-doubt, convinced her unladylike traits made her unlovable.
It was practically her inner demon.
Watching her crouch there, on the verge of sobbing, Horitake shook his head. He finished his yakitori, tossed the skewer into a nearby trash bin, and knelt beside her, speaking gently:
"Who says a girl like you can't be loved? I love you."
Mitsuri, face buried in her arms, mumbled, "You're just comforting me, Horitake-nii."
That line again.
Horitake shook his head, deciding it was time for something bolder.
He grabbed her shoulders, trying to turn her to face him.
Mitsuri resisted, holding her position, and they ended up in a tug-of-war.
To her shock, Horitake's strength outmatched hers. Despite her eight-times-normal muscle density, he turned her to face him!
There they stood under the streetlamp, gazing at each other.
Mitsuri, stunned that someone could overpower her, stared at Horitake's serious expression. How did he…?
Reading her confusion, Horitake said, "Surprised?"
She nodded.
He explained:
"I know your muscle density is eight times a normal person's—a rare physical gift.
My Sky Thunder Breathing stimulates my cells with lightning, enhancing them.
So, Mitsuri, my physical strength surpasses even yours!
See? We're kindred spirits."
That word—"kindred"—cracked open Mitsuri's heart.
All her life, her unique physique had been a source of distress, unaccepted and unacknowledged.
Horitake's words gave her a sense of shared understanding, deepening her trust and closeness to him.
His next words moved her to tears.
Looking into her eyes, Horitake said earnestly:
"Mitsuri, you might see your traits as flaws, but to me, they're not.
Your incredible physique fuels your amazing strength, which thrills me. It's given you a perfect figure I absolutely adore.
Your appetite seems overwhelming, but it's what powers your physique, right?
And I love watching you enjoy food. Your genuine happiness when you eat something delicious—it's infectious. It makes me happy too. It's mesmerizing.
And your cherry-blossom hair? I love it!
How could anyone dislike such a vibrant, spring-like color? It's gorgeous!
Don't fret over it—it's what makes you you, Mitsuri Kanroji.
As for your failed blind dates, those guys were blind fools!
A girl as adorable and beautiful as you? I'd be thrilled to have you!
Honestly, I'm glad those dates failed, or I'd never have met you."
Horitake's heartfelt words left Mitsuri a sobbing mess.
Tears streamed down her face.
Still unsure, she sought confirmation:
"Really, Horitake-nii? Is that how you truly feel, not just comforting me?"
"Of course it's not just comfort!" Horitake raised his voice to correct her. "Mitsuri, don't ever feel inferior because of who you are. I love you for it!"
Mitsuri's confidence wavered.
"Horitake-nii, can someone like me… really be loved?"
Horitake waved dismissively.
"I don't care what others think—I love you, Mitsuri, just as you are."
"Really?"
"Really!"
"Really?"
"Really!"
"Really?"
"…"
Horitake was done talking. Time to prove it with action!
He cupped Mitsuri's face. In her disbelieving eyes, he leaned in…
The streetlamp above them shone brightly—unnaturally so, rivaling modern lights.
Bright enough that no one could see what Horitake and Mitsuri were doing beneath it.
Oddly, after they finished, the lamp dimmed to its usual faint glow, revealing them clearly again.
What was up with that lamp?
Must be a voltage issue, right?
As their faces parted, Horitake looked satisfied, savoring the moment. Mitsuri's face was crimson, a mix of shyness, joy, and disbelief.
She stammered, "Horitake-nii, are you serious?"
"Of course!" Horitake pointed to his lips. "Would I go this far if I wasn't? Mitsuri, you don't still think I'm just comforting you, do you? I took the initiative!
If you still don't believe me, we can do it again."
"No, no, no!"
Mitsuri glanced around nervously, relieved no one was watching.
She pursed her lips, savoring the moment, snapping out of her daze.
It was real—not a dream!
Horitake-nii wasn't comforting her—he truly loved her!
Realizing this, Mitsuri was enveloped by overwhelming joy.
Someone loves me! I'm not an unwanted girl anymore!
Why had she joined the Demon Slayer Corps? To find a stronger, accepting, protective husband.
And now… she'd found him!
Horitake was undeniably stronger than her.
He accepted all her quirks.
He'd undoubtedly protect her.
Kami-sama! I can't believe I found him so soon! I'm… so happy!
Back to her usual self, Mitsuri cheered, her face red as she threw herself into Horitake's arms.
"Horitake-nii, this is amazing! My life's dream has come true!"
Horitake caught her, chuckling wryly.
"Mitsuri, your life's dream is pretty simple, huh?"
"Horitake-nii, back at the Final Selection on Fujikasane Mountain, when you saved me, I thought you were so cool. I wondered if you'd make a great husband.
And now my dream's come true!"
"What?! Mitsuri, you've been eyeing my stunning looks since then?"
"Eh? Horitake-nii, are you mad?"
"Hmm… Mitsuri, let me tell you a secret."
"What secret?"
"Back at Fujikasane, I had my eye on you too. We're two peas in a pod!"
"Two peas in a pod? More like heroes think alike!"
"Uh… more like a turtle and a mung bean, locking eyes?"
"Ugh, Horitake-nii, stop it!"
"My bad, my bad! I'm the turtle, you're the mung bean—those green eyes of yours sealed the deal!"
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