Just as Mizuki was slightly lost in thought due to Kochou Shinobu's words, Kochou Shinobu pursed her lips and gently embraced her with a hint of a smile.
The petite figure softly nestled into her embrace; a body scent mixed with the fragrance of herbs wafted into Mizuki's nostrils. Mizuki could clearly feel Kochou Shinobu's body temperature and her gradually accelerating heartbeat.
Kochou Shinobu's breath, exhaled through her nostrils, lightly brushed against Mizuki's neck, causing a tingling sensation on her back.
Kochou Shinobu's cheek gently rubbed against her neck, making Mizuki's heart quicken along with the ticklish feeling.
Mizuki swallowed and was about to speak, but she heard Kochou Shinobu say softly:
"I won't let Mizuki bear the burden alone anymore."
Mizuki's crimson eyes unnaturally lost focus, and her heart seemed to pause for a moment.
Kochou Shinobu's voice was not loud, nor did her tone sound heavy, yet it brought some peace to Mizuki's recent anxious heart and soothed her inner turmoil.
Mizuki stared blankly at the corridor behind Kochou Shinobu. The dense nervous System within her body seemed to clear up at that moment, and an indescribable tingling sensation shot straight from her spine to the top of her head.
So that was it... It wasn't that she felt the need to develop stronger Sword Forms and Breathing Techniques; it was just that she lacked the courage to face Muzan and Kokushibou... Though using the word 'courage' might not be entirely appropriate, she truly couldn't find a way to win.
Kokushibou's strength was already giving her immense headaches, and above him was the even stronger Muzan.
That was why she pinned her hopes on the so-called development of a more powerful new Sword Form, hoping it would bring her greater strength.
Her heart had constantly been uneasy about the upcoming decisive battle... A tear unnaturally spilled from Mizuki's eye, rolling down her cheek and landing on Kochou Shinobu's back.
She seemed to want to cry a little... She didn't know why.
Tears of joy? She didn't think so.
But to say she felt wronged, she didn't feel particularly wronged, yet her eyes were inexplicably sore, and tears kept flowing out uncontrollably.
The faint footsteps around the corner suddenly stopped. Kochou Kanae peeked out from behind the wall with a surprised expression, watching the two embracing figures, her eyes shimmering with an unknown light.
Normally, Mizuki would naturally sense her presence, but now her mind was in chaos.
Mizuki tried desperately to control her spreading emotions, but this sort of thing couldn't just be stopped instantly. The soreness in her eyes didn't lessen at all; instead, it grew more intense, and even the bridge of her nose began to ache, causing her to let out slight sobs while trying to hide her tears.
Hearing Mizuki's faint sobbing, Kochou Shinobu couldn't help but call out softly, "Mizuki?"
Mizuki, flustered, pushed her away, turned her head, and haphazardly wiped her face with her sleeve, replying with forced composure, "I'm fine."
After a pause, she added, seemingly casually, "Maybe I just felt a little moved."
Kochou Shinobu lowered her eyelids and remained silent.
Mizuki probably didn't realize her voice sounded very aggrieved, causing her heart to tremble slightly.
She had actually asked Tamayo about Mizuki's past. Although Mizuki herself had recounted her experiences to her, the same event often elicited different feelings when told by different people.
Mizuki was unwilling to share her painful memories with her, often glossing over them with a smile during their conversations.
But from Young Miss Tamayo, she learned about the real Mizuki.
Blaming herself for failing to prevent her Older Brother from becoming a Demon, blaming herself for failing to save her Older Brother, blaming herself for being unable to hurt her Older Brother... All those things Mizuki had deeply regretted.
She could still remember Young Miss Tamayo's exact words now.
'Mizuki is different from me; I still have Yushiro accompanying me.'
At that time, the look Young Miss Tamayo gave her was probably hoping that she could accompany Mizuki, right?
That's why Young Miss Tamayo chose to help her after noticing her feelings for Mizuki.
Kochou Shinobu didn't want to fail that expectation, and even less did she want Mizuki to return to being alone.
People cannot live alone.
She didn't want Mizuki to be lonely anymore.
Kochou Shinobu stood up slightly, moved her body closer to Mizuki again, grasped Mizuki's hands, and brought her head toward Mizuki's forehead.
Their foreheads touched, the fair and smooth skin radiating a faint, cool temperature.
Mizuki was instinctively flustered, but seeing Kochou Shinobu's slightly closed eyes, her inner panic unconsciously faded. The fingers of the hands Kochou Shinobu held slightly curled, and after a moment of hesitation, she slowly closed her eyes.
Their noses gently brushed against each other, and a soft sensation burst forth in Mizuki's mind.
What was this feeling?
She could feel Shinobu's breath temperature and hear Shinobu's heartbeat.
It made her... feel inexplicably secure.
The tense muscles throughout Mizuki's body seemed to gradually relax, and her Soul felt as if it were soaring above a clear sky... She could feel Mizuki's presence and her gradually quieting heart.
Kochou Shinobu's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes.
Gazing closely at Mizuki's face, her fair skin was as delicate as a doll's.
She pursed her lips, closed her eyes again, and tilted her head slightly.
Sensing Kochou Shinobu's forehead pull away, Mizuki instinctively opened her eyes... A softness suddenly assaulted her lips. Feeling the warm, soft touch on her mouth, Mizuki's mind went instantly blank.
Their breaths gradually grew rapid, heavily brushing against each other's faces.
Mizuki's crimson eyes trembled slightly, clearly having not anticipated this development.
She fought back the urge to flee, her ears burning red, closing her eyes tightly, as if this could diminish some of the shame she felt inside.
The silvery moonlight shone upon the two of them, as if draping them in a thin silver veil, adding a touch of breathtaking sacredness.
Little Shinobu... Kochou Kanae, standing at the corridor corner, instinctively covered her mouth, watching the scene in shock.
She had previously thought Little Shinobu's attitude toward Young Miss Mizuki was a bit strange, but she only assumed it was due to their deep affection and never considered anything else.
So Little Shinobu and Young Miss Mizuki were like this... Kanae's eyes flickered. Holding her breath, she quietly and carefully left... The moonlight was strong, the cold, silver moon hung in the sky, and the rustling sounds of insects chirped in the distance.
After a long while, the soft lips gently parted.
Mizuki's eyelashes trembled as she opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Kochou Shinobu sticking out her pink, small tongue to lick her lips, which made Mizuki's face flush slightly.
Kochou Shinobu's face was also burning hot, as if scorched by fire, but she didn't want to back down now.
Kochou Shinobu's face was flushed, and her lips, fresh from the kiss, were pink and soft, seeming to glow.
She pulled out a gentle smile at the corner of her mouth and looked at Mizuki with a smile:
"Mizuki, I will always be by your side."
Facing such a scene, how could Mizuki retreat?
She replied, her voice slightly trembling:
"...Mhm."
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