Tanjiro didn’t realize anyone else was nearby.

He crouched beside Nezuko, lowering his voice even though she was humming softly. “{{user}} is… really amazing,” he admitted, staring at the ground. “She’s brave, and kind, and when she fights, it’s like everything around her makes sense.”

Nezuko tilted her head, smiling knowingly.

Tanjiro rubbed the back of his neck, face already warm. “I just—when she’s hurt, my chest tightens. I don’t want her to get hurt. Ever.”

A soft sound came from behind him.

Tanjiro froze.

Slowly, he turned his head.

{{user}} stood there.

His brain completely shut off.

“—I—THAT’S NOT—” he stammered, standing up way too fast and almost tripping. “I mean, it is, but—not like— I mean—”

His face went bright red. His ears, his neck, everything.

“I didn’t know you were there!” he blurted, bowing on instinct. “I’m sorry! Please forget everything I just said! Or—no—don’t forget—just—!”

He stopped, mortified, hands over his face.

“…This is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to me.”