At that moment, Shinobu turned back and said to Horitake, "I may hate all that talk of parental orders and matchmakers, but it's my sister's wish, and I can't ignore her.
"Besides, Horitake-san, you're not exactly impressive, but you're not that bad either.
"I'll give you a chance. We can try being together.
"But if I decide you're really no good, I'll just kick you to the curb!"
Horitake's heart leapt with joy at her words, only to falter moments later.
That was so like Shinobu-nee—agreeing to try, but making it clear she'd ditch him if it didn't work out. He was left speechless.
As he mulled it over, Shinobu leapt off the roof, her haori fluttering like a butterfly's wings as she landed gracefully.
Horitake took a single step, moving from the roof to the ground in an instant, appearing beside Shinobu in a daze. Without missing a beat, he reached for her hand.
Shinobu's brow furrowed, and she swatted his hand away with a sharp slap. "Don't push your luck!"
Anyone else would've backed off.
Not Horitake. He charged forward.
He grabbed Shinobu's hand firmly, making it impossible for her to break free.
Hmm, her slender hand felt different from Mitsuri's. Mitsuri's, with her physical strength, had a certain solidity. Shinobu's, likely from her medical work, was delicate yet resilient—delightful to hold.
Shinobu's temper flared, and she tried to shake him off. "Horitake-san, could you kindly let go? Or do I need to kick you?"
"Technically, we haven't started yet, so there's no kicking or being kicked. Do what you want, Shinobu-nee—I'm not letting go."
"Are you planning to hold on forever? What will Mitsuri think if she sees us like this?"
"No worries. Mitsuri's already mentally prepared for this."
"Horitake-san, how shameless do you have to be to say that with a straight face? I'm starting to question your character. I'm wondering if agreeing to try with you was the worst decision I've ever made!"
"Trust me, Shinobu-nee, it's the best decision you've ever made. No one else could handle you—no one else could tame you!"
A vein pulsed on Shinobu's forehead. With a chilling smile, she asked, "What's that supposed to mean, Horitake-san? Are you saying I'm doomed to stay single?"
"Isn't that the case?
"Sure, you're beautiful and capable, Shinobu-nee, but you're dangerous!
"Not only are you stronger than most men, but you're armed with hidden weapons and poisons, easily taking down enemies. You even planned to turn yourself into a poison person!
"Your sharp tongue and cunning can make anyone doubt their existence.
"With all that, even with your stunning looks, could an ordinary guy handle you?
"I'm the only one who can tame you, who can accept you.
"So, Shinobu-nee, I'm your best choice—your only choice.
"Accept your fate. Once I've held your hand, once I've got you, you're destined to join my household. No escaping!"
Shinobu was dumbfounded. "Horitake-san, your irrational, overbearing attitude combined with your shamelessness is practically invincible!"
Horitake, far from ashamed, grinned proudly. "Is that so? Thanks for the compliment, Shinobu-nee. I think I'm pretty great too, hahaha…
"Alright, it's late. Let's head back. Your five little sisters are probably worried about you."
With that, Horitake, still holding Shinobu's hand, started walking toward the house.
Shinobu panicked, struggling quietly to free herself. "Let go! What if the girls see us like this?"
Horitake pulled her along. "That's the point—I want them to see. I want them to know Shinobu-nee's taken. Then, through their chatter and the people coming to the Butterfly Mansion for treatment, the whole Demon Slayer Corps will know you're mine!"
"Yours? Don't talk nonsense!
"I only agreed to try being with you. It's not as outrageous as you're making it sound.
"Keep this up, and I will kick you."
The two bickered noisily, but Shinobu's strength was no match for Horitake's, and she was dragged into the house.
Inside the Butterfly Mansion, Kanao, Aoi, Sumire, Kiyomi, Naho, and Mitsuri were waiting in the living room, too worried about Shinobu and Horitake to sleep.
The three older girls were holding up fine, but the round-eyed trio were starting to nod off.
Aoi had urged them to go to bed, but they refused.
So, all six girls stayed in the living room, waiting.
With a click, the door opened. Horitake, gripping Shinobu's hand, pulled a flushed and flustered Shinobu inside.
The six girls saw Horitake holding Shinobu's hand tightly and understood immediately!
Kanao blinked, giving a small clap of approval.
Aoi smirked with a quiet chuckle.
The round-eyed trio chattered excitedly, congratulating Horitake.
Mitsuri, though she'd anticipated this, felt a complex mix of emotions seeing it unfold.
Shinobu couldn't break free from Horitake's grip, dragged into the house against her will.
The girls' teasing looks made her face burn with embarrassment and urgency.
But her biggest concern wasn't the five younger girls—it was Mitsuri.
She stole a glance at Mitsuri, noting her complicated expression but relatively calm demeanor, and let out a small sigh of relief.
Then, Shinobu felt a pang of self-directed irritation.
Why do I care so much about Mitsuri's opinion? I didn't steal her man! Her man came after me!
Despite her thoughts, Shinobu felt a twinge of guilt facing Mitsuri.
Meanwhile, the round-eyed trio's chatter only made her more flustered: "I knew it! Shinobu-sama couldn't escape Horitake-sama's grasp!"
"From the first time Horitake-sama came to the Butterfly Mansion, I saw this coming!"
"Congratulations, Horitake-sama! Congratulations, Shinobu-sama!"
Horitake, a bit smug, waved to the room. "See, everyone? Your Shinobu-nee is finally mine!"
Shinobu, flushed with shame and anger, snapped back, "What do you mean 'yours'!? We're just trying to get along!"
"Okay, okay, you all know how stubborn your Shinobu-nee is. She's just shy. I'll stop teasing her—any more, and she might actually kill me!"
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