IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Thirty Four

Shigure stifled a yawn as he emerged from his bedroom. He had a later start that day, having left early in the morning after an entire night of writing. However, his yawn was abruptly interrupted as someone darted past him, catching him off guard.

His eyes widened in surprise, and he involuntarily choked on the air he had just inhaled during the yawn.

Shigure's cough continued, his eyes still watering from the sudden force of it. He glanced after the departing figure, immediately recognizing the back of Himawari's head. Confused, he blinked a few times, wondering what was going on. He looked around, expecting to find Ryu nearby, but each room he checked was devoid of her presence.

He followed after Himawari, baffled by her trail of scattered towels. He picked up a few along the way, still unsure of what was happening. Once he reached the front entrance, he found Hatsuharu standing there, dripping wet and receiving a towel from Himawari. The scent of rain hung in the air, finally explaining the situation to Shigure.

Himawari finished giving the towel to Hatsuharu and, without a moment's pause, darted past Shigure and back into the house. He moved nimbly out of the way, barely avoiding her as she scurried past.

"What is—?" Shigure started to ask, but his words were interrupted as he observed movement underneath the towel in Hatsuharu's hand. He took a step closer, curious, but before he could uncover the hidden mystery, a flash of yellow shot out, closely followed by the sound of approaching footsteps. He recognized the sound immediately as Kisa, the tiger of the cursed Sohmas.

"Wait—what..." Shigure's attention swiveled from the fleeing Kisa to Tohru, who was cradling her hand. He let out an exasperated breath. "Oh, dear, maybe we should fix that first," he muttered.

Yuki nodded in agreement, taking off his shoes along with the other two teens. Just as Shigure was about to follow them, he nearly stumbled over Himawari, who was swiftly descending the stairs, carrying a first aid kit.

Shigure chuckled, placing a hand on Himawari's head. "Ah, now it all makes sense," he said affectionately. Himawari glanced up at him with a bright smile.

The two entered the living room, and Himawari diligently handed the first aid kit to Hatsuharu.

Shigure leaned over, peering at Tohru's hand that was being clumsily bandaged by Hatsuharu. Himawari, meanwhile, stood nearby, her lips pursed in mild disapproval as she observed the messy job.

"Ah, so you got bit by Kisa," Shigure mused, shaking his head lightly.

"Y-yes...," Tohru replied, wincing slightly as her wounded hand was wrapped in the less-than-perfect bandages.

Yuki sighed and turned to the corner where Kisa was standing in her tiger form, still sulking. Undeterred, Yuki spoke firmly, "Kisa, apologize quickly."

"I'm okay, really..." Tohru raised her head, attempting to dismiss the situation.

Shigure's voice was calm as he interjected, his eyes taking on a somber tone. "Yuki...Kisa cannot talk."