Aoi POV: I was never interested in romance; I saw it as something secondary.

Besides, I didn't have that many people in my life, apart from my sisters and the butterfly girls, but...

'You helped me a lot in my recovery, Aoi. Now a part of you is with me. Thank you so much for all your care and attention.'

No one had ever spoken to me before, not in that tone, not in that way. It was strange, but my heart felt calm, as if something inside me had suddenly and noticeably changed...

When he recovered and left, I felt a strange absence, something I tried to stop thinking about with my work, but every situation, everything I did, I couldn't forget him...

'Aoi-Nee-San... Why does she seem so down lately...? We don't like to see you sad...!'

'It's just work, they know how hard I work. I'll take a break when I've finished washing and hanging these sheets.'

Even the girls noticed that there was clearly something strange about me. I wanted him to come back, but people only visit the Butterfly Estate when they're sick; I didn't want to wish him any harm.

Tanjiro POV: The girls at the estate were always so kind, although oddly enough, there was something I noticed... It's not the best example, but Inosuke reminded me of someone...

Each of the fights he had with Zenitsu seemed to take place in a different setting. We didn't seem to be in the forest, and he didn't seem to see him; he felt like he was seeing Aoi. Their behavior was so similar...

'(I wonder how they're doing... Maybe I should pay them a visit and make sure everything is alright...)'

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'Ooooh, Tanjiro-kun! You've come back to visit us! Oh, you're back! You're not sick, are you?'

'Heh, luckily I'm not, I came to visit you. I'm so glad you're doing well, I think you even look a bit taller since the last time I saw you, how time flies!'

While I was talking to them, the smell seemed familiar to me. The smell was more strongly of soap, but being mixed with the scent of flowers and sweets made me realize immediately who it was...

'Aoi-chan! It's so good to see you again!'

Aoi POV: I wasn't expecting that visit, but I assumed he only came for a check-up; knowing that wasn't the case made my heart... Beat uncontrollably...

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'Fortunately, after a long time of complaining, chasing, and a few shouts, they made up. Buuut, Inosuke had to apologize to Zenitsu again for throwing a pillow at his face'

I didn't know if it was the way that he told stories that was funny, the stories themselves, or if my sense of humor was just extremely off, but when I told each story, even the slightest awkwardness made me laugh...

Tanjiro POV: I think that, since I met her, this is the first time I've heard her laugh; it was such a sweet and pure sound, and it was... simply beautiful...

'I don't know how you manage to put up with them, it would have given me a terrible headache... Huh? Tanjiro? Hello? Are you okay?'

'A-ah, sorry, it's just that, well, it's the first time that, well, since I've known you, you're always frowning or angry, that's why I was watching you closely when you laughed'

'I don't usually laugh or smile much because I don't think it suits me. But it's okay, I don't blame you.'

'Huh? And who said it doesn't suit you? You look so pretty when you smile, you have the sweetest, most perfect smile I've ever heard'

Wow, I must have sounded so bad saying that to her. I didn't want her to feel bad, much less think badly of herself, but I think I may have made her uncomfortable and I feel like I interrupted her.

Aoi POV: He... Does he really think that about me? Maybe he only said it to reassure me, but the fact that he called me that... makes me so happy...

'I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be disrespectful to you, I just wanted you to know that you have a lovely laugh that captivates everyone, please don't think badly of me'

'Oh, okay, I mean... I think all women like it when someone says nice things about them...'

He even apologized for thinking I might have felt uncomfortable; he was so kind, so sweet. I was surprised he was single if he behaved like that...

'Well... I suppose you do want me to say nice things to you. I can send you some notes with my crow kasugai for you to read when you're feeling down or stressed about work...'

'Come on, it's not necessary. Anyway, I think your mere presence makes anyone feel good'

'Even so, I insist on sending you that, I mean, you have a lot of nice things that will please people and make them like you, you know?'

'Stop saying corny things, I already told you it's not necessary

Tanjiro POV: Wow, I think I've really made her angry. But maybe I can fix it...

'What were you trying to do?'

'Uuuuuh...'

Well, my attempt to tickle her until she calmed down had failed. But now I regret freezing up when she grabbed my hands to stop the attack...

'E-EH...?! A-AHAHOHOI...?!'

'Do you think I'm the only one with good qualities to flatter and praise? Let me tell you, I know someone with reddish hair and eyes who also has something good...'

'B-BUHUHUT...!'

'...And, just as that person wanted to tickle me to flatter me while I laughed and probably squirmed under their grip, I think I'll apply their technique'

'W-WAHAHAHAIHIHIHIT...!'