CHAPTER FIVE:
"Man- I am so beat!"
"You didn't even win any prizes. How pathetic."
"You didn't win any prizes either, Inosuke."
After the Kamaboko squad finished their enjoyable time at the arcade, they decided to take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets.
The evening air was cool, and the neon lights illuminated their path, casting a vibrant glow on everything around them.
(Y/N) couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as she watched her friends and admired the relationships blooming before her eyes.
As (Y/N) walked alongside her friends, she couldn't help but notice Tanjiro and Kanao engrossed in their own conversation.
Their smiles were infectious, and it was clear that they were completely absorbed in each other's company.
They shared a deep connection, and it warmed (Y/N)'s heart to see them so at ease with one another.
Further ahead, Zenitsu and Nezuko walked hand in hand, their fingers interlaced.
Zenitsu's passionate and animated expressions contrasted with Nezuko's serene and gentle demeanor. (Y/N) couldn't help but find their interaction incredibly endearing.
Zenitsu, always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, fangirled over Nezuko, showering her with compliments and teasing banter.
Nezuko responded with soft smiles and occasional playful nudges, their bond evident in every gesture.
Watching her friends in their respective relationships, (Y/N)'s thoughts began to wander to someone else.
The image of Kyojuro, appeared vividly in her mind.
She imagined herself walking alongside him, their hands entwined, sharing intimate conversations much like Tanjiro and Kanao were doing.
The thought made her cheeks flush with warmth, and she quickly shook her head to dispel those daydreams.
'Wait! No- No, (Y/N). Bad (Y/N).' (Y/N) shook her head profusely.
Inwardly, (Y/N) acknowledged that Kyojuro Rengoku already had someone special in his life.
She knew that her feelings could only go so far, and it wasn't fair to entertain fantasies that would never come to fruition.
Lost in her thoughts, (Y/N) was suddenly startled when Inosuke's face appeared uncomfortably close to hers. She blinked, trying to regain her composure, as Inosuke's raspy voice cut through the air.
Inosuke hollered out, "Oi, (Y/N)! What's with that void look? Are you daydreaming while we're crossing the damned crosswalk?"
(Y/N) stammered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She quickly searched for an excuse to explain her absentmindedness.
"Uh, well, you see... I, um, I noticed someone with a Shiba Inu over there, and, uh, it just caught my attention for a moment." She replied with an awkward smile playing her lips.
Inosuke's sharp gaze narrowed as he scrutinized (Y/N), seemingly skeptical of her response.
"Oh well." Inosuke sighed, "Don't stare while walking. Good thing you didn't run into a pole or something."
As the Kamaboko squad reached a designated area, Tanjiro spoke up, addressing the group. "I'll be walking Kanao home with Nezuko. Thanks for this lovely evening! See you guys at school on Monday!"
(Y/N) nodded in understanding, giving a warm smile. "Of course, take care on your way back home. See you three on Monday."
Tanjiro, Kanao, and Nezuko bid farewell to the remaining members of the squad and set off, their figures gradually fading into the distance.
Meanwhile, Zenitsu's voice chimed in, announcing his own intentions. "I'm going to stop by a convenience store to buy breakfast for tomorrow before I go home."
Inosuke, with his usual stubbornness, disregarded Zenitsu's protests and insisted on tagging along.
"Hah! Like I'd let you go by yourself." Inosuke exclaimed. "I want to make sure you don't mess it up!"
Zenitsu sighed, realizing that he wouldn't be able to deter Inosuke's determination.
However, before they could take another step, Zenitsu turned his attention to (Y/N), his expression showing concern.
"Wait a minute. (Y/N), do you have a ride home, or are you planning on walking?" Zenitsu asked.
(Y/N) paused, appreciating Zenitsu's consideration for her well-being. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'll take the train home since it's kinda dark now."
Zenitsu seemed hesitant, glancing back at the departing group and then back at (Y/N). "Are you sure? It's getting late, and you never know what could happen. I can walk you home if you want!"
"I appreciate your concern, but I'll be alright. Don't let Inosuke cause too much trouble for you!" (Y/N) smiled.
Inosuke grunted, unimpressed by the exchange, while Zenitsu's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.
"Tch! Fine, have it your way! Just be careful, (Y/N). I don't want anything bad happening to you." With a final nod, Zenitsu turned on his heels and joined Inosuke, who had already started walking away.
(Y/N) watched them depart, feeling a sense of gratitude for her friends' consideration.
(Y/N) walked with purpose towards the train station, her mind filled with the events of the evening.
However, as she arrived at the station, a look of shock and disbelief washed over her face.
Standing before her was a sight she hadn't anticipated-the train station was undergoing renovation, and the trains were not in service.
(Y/N) stood there, staring at the boarded-up entrances and the signs announcing the temporary closure. Panic started to creep in as she realized that mode of transportation home was unavailable.
"No way... The trains are under renovation? How am I going to get home now?"
Her heart raced as she considered her options. Walking home was possible, but it would be a long and tiring journey.
She could try to find an alternative mode of transportation, but late at night, it might not be easy.
As (Y/N) stepped out of the station, a wave of unease washed over her. The surrounding area had grown considerably darker since she entered the arcade earlier in the evening.
Her mind raced with thoughts of the dimly lit streets and the memories of a past assault that still haunted her.
'No! I'm not going through that again.'
Feeling a rising fear, (Y/N) swiftly reached for her phone, searching for comfort and reassurance.
With trembling fingers, she dialed her sister Mitsuri's number, hoping for a familiar voice to calm her anxieties.
The phone rang for a moment, each passing second amplifying (Y/N)'s sense of vulnerability. Finally, a familiar voice answered on the other end.
"Hello? (Y/N)-Hiii baby sis~! How's your fun evening out?"
(Y/N) breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing her sister's voice, her voice wavering slightly as she responded.
"Hi Nee-San." She greeted. "I'm at the train station, but it's closed for renovation, and I don't feel safe walking home alone in this darkness. I... I'm scared."
Mitsuri's voice immediately filled with concern. "My poor baby sis-Don't worry! I'm here for you. Stay right where you are, okay? I'll come and pick you up."
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