Chapter Text
The rise of the single wooden establishment whistled a fine tune of the end winter evening. Each step out on its sidewalk weighed to their own in silence, perhaps in accompany were light chatters. Still, all rose their irises once they crossed the fine establishment, and there he was behind the counter, humming his own melody for the spring to come.
He never gets tired of trying even if he’s bad at it, she said as her voice grew quieter.
I heard that, he replied without so much as raising his head from the sheet below him.
Pressing light on his shoulder, crimson had to stare up. Even then, the eldest son had trouble directly coming to terms that the second eldest not only reached but surpassed his height. Never was he to harbor self-doubt but enough clarities in his lifetime to state he is in fact the firstborn.
Hanako chan is that age of relentlessly teasing you, she said with a small smile.
Rolling his eyes, he gazed back at his assignment. She could learn a thing or two from Rokuta. Always leaves as soon as she drops her bag.
You can always tell dad about it.
I’ll get her to help out eventually. I don’t need to give him more responsibilities than he already has.
This is why you’re the eldest, she said before leaning over and placing a light kiss on his cheek. I’m leaving early as well but will help closing up when I get back.
Blinking rapidly, he watched her take her coat from the coat rack. Dressed out from her uniform, Nezuko spared a glance at him one more time.
Where to, he asked.
A small smile graced her soft features. Those pictures we took, they reached back to me.
They did?!
Yea, before they close up one of the agents are asking if I can see them in person for about five minutes, shouldn’t take that long. See you soon, nii-chan!
More perfumes clouded their space and before he knew it, sharp sugary pastries and more chatters filled in. Closing up his book, he stood firm at the counter as many stepped closer. Rest of his days were such though not more than seven. Though most were prepared the second year highschooler had extra shifts to cover which included registry and cleaning up the tables as more walked in. The silence only he carried, the longer he thought he was truly by himself.
I mean, am I boring? I can’t take up any clubs but it’s not like there’re interesting ones at all. Not like mom or dad would mind if I take any to begin with… so just haven’t found one for me! That’s right. After highschool…
The air shook with each vibrant laugh, every shoulder bumped, all the circles around him. Like a candle he was yet not the brightest one. Underneath the baked and artificial scent laid something that halted all his thoughts, had him frozen in place. They blossomed a scent he knew while in school, while his classmates were around. Left it behind for another day yet all around him kept holding onto theirs. Something different, something he didn’t own.
Maybe I am boring.
Tanjiro deeply sighed.
But why am I not sad about it?
He hid most of his smile.
It smells really nice.
Well that’s creepy. Are you sad or are you happy?
The golden light that shined through laid over the table beside his hip. Gazing below, her head above her arm as she stared right back. Tanjiro almost choked on nothing, aching knees growing stiff.
Emerald yet bore a diluted essence to it, like defiling mother nature by being selective.
Are you going to just stand there? I asked for a refill, she said.
Swishing what remained left to right, the metal mug was tipped to its height and more coffee poured in.
Are you really related to Nezuko? I know she’s a goodie-two-shoes like you but hard to see any other resemblance.
He couldn’t help but stare long and hard before walking away.
Hey!?
Going behind the counter, a large slam broke in between. Without so much as raising his head, he began cleaning up any crumbs around.
Is this what you call customer service? It’s pretty lame if you ask me.
We’re happy to listen to any and all complains if you give us a review.
I might just do that you little shit.
A short glance up on her puffed-out cheeks before continuing with his wiping.
You’re way off from how you act in school. So being a nice guy was just an act.
I would like you to please not ask or bother my little sister.
Soundless in demand, long nails dug had reached over and raised his head from below. Crimson eyes widened as they stared deep into those green ones.
Looking into some rumors and what she’s been up to. If they are true, expect us to work as close as you possibly could imagine.
He’s shoved his nose for the better half of the day in nothing but sweetness yet somehow, she possessed something much sweeter. Gulping, Tanjiro averted his sight.
A chuckle escaped her lips before painted nails released his chin.
You really don’t know what I’m talking about, do you? Can’t say that didn’t hurt my ego, just a little bit. It’s Tanjiro, right? You can call me Daki.
Taking a step back, she moved on to grab her bag off from the booth she had sat in.
See you around.
His heart was still hammering even when night came in, nothing but silence met the new spring.