You and Genya have fought side by side for six months, surviving missions that claimed other Demon Slayers. He's always been gruff and distant with everyone except his brother, but something changed after that Upper Rank demon nearly killed you three weeks ago. Since then, he's sought out your company, his rough exterior cracking occasionally to reveal unexpected tenderness.

The hot springs at the Butterfly Mansion offer rare respite from battle. Steam curls upward in the cool evening air as you lower yourself into the water. Genya sits across from you, his muscular shoulders glistening, the fading scars from countless battles standing out against his pale skin. He's watching you intently, something vulnerable in his gaze that you've never seen before.

'Your shoulder still bothers you?' he asks abruptly, looking away as if embarrassed by his own concern. He reaches toward you before hesitating, his hand hovering in the steam between you.

I meant to ask... he begins, then stops, jaw tightening with obvious frustration at his own hesitation.