NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33: Only Wear It For Me
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Dawn Approaches
The sky began to lighten, a faint glow of dawn pushing back the darkness. Golden rays spilled across the forest, dispelling the night and breathing new life into the world.
Ryuji stood by the window, his silhouette framed by the soft morning light. For the first time in days, the weight on his shoulders felt lighter. The constant vigilance and sleepless nights had finally subsided, leaving him with a rare sense of peace.
His gaze drifted to the bed.
Kie Kamado lay asleep, her expression serene, her cheeks faintly flushed. Her long, raven-black hair spilled across the pillow like a cascading waterfall. A thick quilt covered her slender frame, rising and falling gently with each breath.
Ryuji smiled to himself and walked over. Leaning down, he brushed a soft kiss against her forehead. "Rest well," he whispered.
Kie's eyelashes fluttered, but she didn't open her eyes.
"You're awake," Ryuji teased, his voice low.
Still, she remained still, feigning sleep. He chuckled, shaking his head, and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.
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Once Ryuji's footsteps faded, Kie opened her eyes, her cheeks still warm. She shifted slightly, only to wince as an ache coursed through her body. Her limbs felt heavy, as though they'd been pushed to their limits.
She recalled Ryuji's quiet words before he left, urging her to rest. Her cheeks flushed deeper at the memory. She tried to sit up, but her body protested, forcing her to collapse back onto the bed.
With a resigned sigh, she closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment to recover.
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Ryuji stepped into the main room, where the Kamado children were slowly waking. Tanjirou and Nezuko sat near the hearth, their tired faces framed by dark circles under their eyes. It was clear neither had slept well.
The younger children—Hanako, Shigeru, Takeo, and little Rokuta—looked more rested but still wore traces of exhaustion. Despite their youth, the tension in the house had weighed on them too.
"Tanjirou, Nezuko," Ryuji said firmly. "Gather the essentials. We'll be leaving today."
Tanjirou nodded without hesitation, immediately beginning to pack. Nezuko, however, approached Ryuji, her lips pressed into a pout.
"Don't be so mean to Mother," she said, her voice small but firm.
Ryuji blinked in surprise. "Mean? What are you talking about?"
"I heard her crying last night!" Nezuko snapped, her eyes bright with indignation.
Ryuji hesitated, her words catching him off guard. He crouched to her level, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Nezuko," he said softly, "you're too young to understand right now. But I promise, I wasn't being mean. You can ask her yourself if you don't believe me."
Nezuko's eyes narrowed, unconvinced. With a small huff, she spun on her heel and marched toward her mother's room, determination written all over her face.
Ryuji sighed, watching her go. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. She's growing up so fast.
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Leaving the Kamado family's mountain home was bittersweet. Generations of memories were etched into its walls, and every corner held a story. Hanako, Takeo, Shigeru, and Rokuta clung to each other, tears streaming down their faces. Even Nezuko lingered by the entrance, her gaze fixed on the home she'd known all her life.
Tanjirou stood silently, fists clenched at his sides. He understood why they had to leave—Ryuji had made it clear. The mountains were no longer safe. Yet, the knowledge didn't make the farewell any easier.
As the ox-drawn cart creaked to life, Ryuji stood at its helm, his gaze scanning the distant treeline. His thoughts lingered on Chiba, the Demon Slayer patrolling the region.
The demons in these parts were different. And though Ryuji wouldn't say it aloud, he knew the danger Muzan Kibutsuji posed. He couldn't allow history to repeat itself. The Kamado family had to leave before it was too late.
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Three Days Later
The journey was grueling. The cart, laden with belongings, trudged along the uneven road. Ryuji sat at the front, guiding the oxen with a steady hand. Beside him, Kie leaned against his shoulder, her exhaustion evident in her half-lidded eyes.
The children fared no better. Only Tanjirou and Nezuko managed to keep pace, their resilience shining through.
"We're almost there," Ryuji assured, his voice calm despite his weariness. He gestured to the horizon, where the faint outlines of a bustling town came into view.
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Inside the town
"Fresh wontons! Sweet and savory, the best you'll ever taste!"
"Candied haws! Sweet and tangy—perfect for the kids!"
The town was alive with noise and color. Vendors called out their wares, and the streets bustled with people. For the Kamado children, who had spent their lives in the quiet mountains, the scene was overwhelming.
Hanako and the others clung to each other, their wide eyes darting from one stall to the next. Even Kie, despite her exhaustion, couldn't help but stare in awe.
"This place is incredible," Tanjirou whispered, his voice filled with wonder.
Kie tugged at Ryuji's sleeve, her face bright red. "That woman… she's shameless!" she whispered, her eyes darting toward a vendor dressed in a short skirt.
Ryuji followed her gaze and chuckled. "It's her choice. Why should I care?" He leaned closer, his voice dropping. "Besides, I only have eyes for you."
Kie's cheeks burned, and she quickly turned away, flustered.
"Maybe I'll buy you something similar," Ryuji teased.
"I-I wouldn't wear something so indecent!" she stammered.
"You'd only wear it for me," Ryuji replied softly, his lips brushing her ear.
Kei blushed even harder but didn't respond. She remained silent, her long eyelashes fluttering as she stared straight ahead. The blush on her face, however, gave away her thoughts. Though she remained modest and proper, her silent agreement hinted at her trust and affection for him.
Despite her conservative appearance, wrapped tightly in her clothing, Kei's natural beauty still drew attention. Along the way, several passersby couldn't help but glance in their direction.
Feeling the gazes on her, Kei frowned slightly and buried her face in Ryuji's chest, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Ryuji gently ran his fingers through her long, silky black hair, which cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall. His eyes grew cold as he glared at the people who dared to look.
Immediately, the onlookers felt a chill run down their spines and quickly turned away, not daring to meet Ryuji's gaze again.
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