Starting Over • Kyojuro Rengoku

|Chapter 1|

Nezuko, ever observant, nudged (Y/N) gently, concern flickering in her eyes.

"Hmm hmm?" Nezuko asked softly, her voice barely audible above the cafeteria noise.

(Y/N) blinked, realizing that her absent-mindedness was showing. She offered a small smile and replied, "Oh, sorry, Nezuko. I'm okay, really. I was just lost in my thoughts for a moment. I'm just hungry, that's all."

Nezuko studied (Y/N) for a moment, her gaze filled with warmth and understanding. "Hmm!!"

(Y/N) nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Nezuko. I'll keep that in mind. It means a lot to have friends like you by my side."

Just as the conversation settled, Tanjiro and the others returned to the table, each carrying trays of delicious-looking food.

Tanjiro's tray was filled with a colorful assortment of dishes, while Zenitsu seemed to have grabbed his favorite sweets, and Inosuke had an impressive mountain of meat.

"Alright, we're back!" Tanjiro announced cheerfully, placing his tray down on the table. "I hope you guys are hungry because there's plenty to go around."

(Y/N) couldn't help but chuckle at Tanjiro's infectious enthusiasm. She looked at the array of food before her and felt her stomach grumble in anticipation.

Everyone settled down, laughter and conversation filled the air, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

As Tanjiro animatedly shared a tale about Nezuko's babyhood, (Y/N) struggled to fully engage in the conversation.

Her thoughts wandered once again, pulling her away from the present moment.

Tanjiro and the others picked up on her distracted state, their expressions turning concerned.

"Hey, (Y/N), is something bothering you?" Tanjiro asked gently, his eyes filled with genuine worry. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

(Y/N) quickly realized the impact her distant behavior was having on the group.

She didn't want to bring down the cheerful atmosphere, so she mustered a bright smile and replied, "Oh, no, Tanjiro, everything's fine, really. I just remembered that I left something important in the Teacher Lounge. I'll be right back."

Tanjiro seemed hesitant but nodded understandingly. "Alright, (Y/N), if you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask. And please say hi to Mitsuri-Sensei for me while you're there."

(Y/N) gave a grateful nod and excused herself from the table, making her way toward the Teacher Lounge.

She couldn't help but feel guilty for dampening the lively mood, but she needed a moment alone to collect her thoughts.

Once she reached the secluded corridor leading to the Teacher Lounge, (Y/N) let out a sigh and leaned against the wall.

Her mind was in turmoil, thoughts swirling like a tempest. She knew she couldn't keep pretending, not with friends who genuinely cared about her well-being.

In the secluded corridor, (Y/N) found herself face to face with Kyojuro Rengoku, one of the homeroom teachers, who greeted her with his characteristic cheery smile.

Her heart skipped a beat as she remembered the last time they were alone together, a faint blush tinting her cheeks.

"Ah, (Y/N)! What brings you here?" Kyojuro asked, genuine curiosity in his eyes.

(Y/N) composed herself, straightening her posture and patting down her uniform nervously. "Oh, um, I'm just waiting for Nee-San. I left something in the Teacher Lounge, and she said she would meet me here."

Kyojuro nodded understandingly, but there was a faint trace of disappointment in his expression. "I see. Well, if you'd like, I can wait with you. It's always nice to have some company, isn't it?"

Panic flooded (Y/N)'s thoughts, her mind flashing back to their last encounter and the butterflies that had fluttered in her stomach.

She quickly shook her head, her voice a little too rushed. "Oh, no, Sensei, that won't be necessary. I'll be fine on my own. Thank you, though."

Kyojuro's eyebrows furrowed slightly, picking up on (Y/N)'s flustered response. He let out a gentle sigh, realizing that something seemed to be bothering her.

With a gentle smile, he spoke up, his voice carrying a sense of warmth and concern.

"(Y/N), before I go, I actually wanted to talk to you about something important. So can we maybe-"

Before (Y/N) could respond, their conversation was interrupted by a sweet and high-pitched voice calling out Kyojuro's name.

"Kyoo~ I need you here, Pronto!"

Both of them turned to see Vivian swiftly approaching them. She clung onto Kyojuro, seeking his attention and help with an urgent matter.

"I need you to help me with something. Come quick!!"

"I- Excuse me, what? Vivian, hold on! I am so sorry, (Y/N). Please excuse us."

In a flash, they moved away from (Y/N)'s gaze, leaving her standing alone in the corridor.

A mix of emotions washed over (Y/N) as she watched them walk away. Confusion, disappointment, and a tinge of jealousy intertwined within her.

She felt a pang in her chest, wondering about the nature of their relationship and the significance of their interaction.

(Y/N) took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts.

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