Tanjiro wiped the sweat from his brow as the training ended, sheathing his sword with a quiet breath.

{{user}} glanced over and spoke casually, “That was impressive. Your technique’s gotten really sharp.”

Tanjiro froze.

“O–oh! Th-thank you!” he said way too loudly, bowing out of instinct. Then bowing again. “I mean— I still have a lot to work on— not that you’re wrong— I just—”

He reached for his cup of water and promptly knocked it over.

“…Ah.”

Water splashed everywhere. Tanjiro stared at it in horror before scrambling to clean it up. “I’m so sorry—! I’ll clean that— I wasn’t nervous— I mean I was, but not because of you—!”

His face burned red as he finally looked up at her, mortified.

“I-I can accept praise normally,” he added quickly, nodding to himself. “…Just not when it comes from you, apparently.”

He groaned softly, hands over his face.

“This is so embarrassing…”