Return To Sender

Here is the link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23149777

Summary
Zenitsu hates Valentine's day, loathes it, while his best friend, Tanjirou, seems to favors the holiday. He gets very pessimistic during this time of the year, as he's never received a single valentine. So, Tanjirou vows to make this one unforgettable for him, for better or worse.
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“So, I’m thinking of ditching tomorrow.”

Zenitsu Agatsuma, a punctual student, on time solely for the purpose of looking reliable thus earning credibility for being a dependable, competent person. When in reality if he isn’t on time for every class his anxiety gets the better of him. He even refuses to skip when sick!

Tomorrow’s an rare exception, though. One that definitely justifies using a sick day.

“How come? Are you not feeling well? It’s not like you to use a sick day.” Tanjirou asks, puzzled as he tilts his head to the side.

Oh, Tanjirou. So naively innocent, always with his head in the clouds. It really gets on his nerves, more often than not. Yet they had a dynamic that worked well and have been close friends for as long as he could remember. With every memory Tanjirou’s face is there, for better or worse. He’s one of the few people he can call a true, loyal friend.

Zenitsu whines, shooting a judgmental look over at his friend. “Oh, come on! You of all people should know! Doesn’t your family run a big shot bakery?”

“Tomorrow…” Piecing two and two together, Tanjirou hammers down his fist into his palm, the gentle curves of his sincere smile beaming in realization.

“Oh! You mean Valentine’s day?”

“Yeah, that holiday.” Zenitsu grumbles, his shoulders sagging in despair as they walk together, as per their routine, just like everyday after class.

Tanjirou smiles, gazing up at the apricot colored sky as he speaks.

“Well, aside from the rush of people coming in to pick up their orders — I think Valentine’s Day is a wonderful holiday!”

Easy for him to say, Tanjirou gets piles upon piles of chocolate on his desk, platonic and romantic! Lucky bastard! Not everyone was as fortunate as him.

Zenitsu scoffs at his words.

“Yeah? Well, I hate it.” His fist tightens around the strap of his bag. Spiteful. “All the couples acting all lovey-dovey, flaunting it in front of my face. It’s pure torture! I always end up empty-handed and feeling unloved just like every other single guy out there!”

“You’ve — never gotten a Valentine?” Tanjirou questions aloud, a sad lilt heard in his voice.

“Nope, never. Not a single one.”

Why should he? No one’s ever been interested in him like that.

An awkward pause settles between them. What was once a cheerful walk turns dead quiet as the two continue on their way home, visible space established between them on the already-small sidewalk. The sadness wafting through the air is unbearable, he can only imagine what it’s like for Tanjirou, who already has a keen sense of smell. Looking on ahead Zenitsu spots his home, quaint and horrifically normal. and he’s never been happier to set his eyes upon it. Finally, this awful silence can be over with! Still, he’s painfully aware that he’s made what was supposed to be a “pleasant” walk back home with his best friend completely, and utterly awkward. So naturally, Zenitsu does his best to rectify the situation and lighten the mood. The one he's so rudely soiled.