"Looking at you," Rokuya answered openly, without the slightest attempt to hide it. "I was wondering why someone as gentle as you has to take up a blade and face those hideous monsters."
Kanae froze slightly, then lowered her head and looked at her hands, which had developed a thin layer of calluses from years of wielding a sword.
"Because I'm afraid." Her voice was so soft it seemed the night breeze might scatter it at any moment. "Whenever I close my eyes, I return to that dark alley. Smelling that nauseating stench of blood, listening to a demon chewing on bones, holding Shinobu as I waited in despair for death to come."
She raised her head and looked at the moon reflected in the pond, a trace of confusion and sorrow showing in her eyes.
"Actually, I once had a very naive dream. I hoped that one day, humans and demons could live together in peace. I hoped I could understand the demons' sorrow and use my Flower Breathing to lay their souls to rest, rather than simply slaughter them."
At this point, she gave a self-mocking smile, a glimmer of tears flashing at the corners of her eyes. "Isn't it ridiculous? My parents were killed by demons, and I was nearly eaten myself, yet I'm still dreaming such an unrealistic dream. Sometimes, I really think I'm weak."
Rokuya listened in silence. He reached out, suddenly caught Kanae by the wrist, and pulled her toward him with a little force.
Kanae let out a startled cry as she tumbled helplessly into Rokuya's arms. She looked up and met his eyes, dark as the deepest ocean abyss, yet burning with raging fire.
"It's not ridiculous. Having those thoughts makes you gentler than anyone." Rokuya stared straight into her eyes and