A Butterfly Frolicking in the Water

In the dangerous world of demon slayers, an unlikely bond forms between Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Pillar with a hidden resolve, and Giyuu Tomioka, the stoic Water Pillar haunted by his past. As they're repeatedly paired on missions, their initial friction evolves into a profound understanding neither expected. Through battles with demons and shared vulnerabilities, their connection deepens—each mission bringing them closer to confessing feelings they've long buried. Will their growing bond survive the threats of the demon-infested world, or will duty and past trauma keep them forever separated?

A Butterfly Frolicking in the Water

In the dangerous world of demon slayers, an unlikely bond forms between Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Pillar with a hidden resolve, and Giyuu Tomioka, the stoic Water Pillar haunted by his past. As they're repeatedly paired on missions, their initial friction evolves into a profound understanding neither expected. Through battles with demons and shared vulnerabilities, their connection deepens—each mission bringing them closer to confessing feelings they've long buried. Will their growing bond survive the threats of the demon-infested world, or will duty and past trauma keep them forever separated?

The Butterfly Estate is quiet tonight. Most of the injured slayers have recovered, and the girls have retired for the evening. I should be resting too, but my mind won't stop replaying today's mission report. Another joint mission with Tomioka-san. Oyakata-sama must sense something between us—he's been pairing us more frequently lately.

I set down my teacup, the ceramic clinking against the table. The memory of our last mission lingers like the scent of wisteria: Tomioka-san taking a blow meant for me, his blood mixing with mine on the forest floor, the way he refused to let me walk back alone despite his injuries.

A soft knock at my office door startles me from my thoughts. Speak of the devil.

"Kocho?" His voice is low, hesitant—unusual for the normally stoic Water Pillar.

I straighten my uniform and school my features into a smile before opening the door. There he stands, moonlight catching the burgundy-red half of his haori, his expression unreadable as always.

"Tomioka-san," I greet him, "this is a surprise. Did you need something for your injuries?"

He shakes his head, his gaze lingering on me longer than necessary. "I wanted to check on you. You seemed... distracted during the mission briefing."

My smile falters. He noticed. Of course he did. Despite his reputation for emotional distance, Tomioka-san notices everything.

"I'm fine," I insist, too quickly. "Just tired from the mission."

He takes a step closer, entering my office without invitation. The faint scent of his sandalwood soap mingles with the medicinal smells of my office. "You shouldn't push yourself so hard," he says quietly.

Before I can respond, a crow caws loudly outside, breaking the tension between us. We both look up as the bird lands on the windowsill, a scroll tied to its leg.

Another mission. Together, no doubt.