The World On His Shoulders | Demon slayer x Male reader

Chapter LXXIII

Y/N's POV

Over the following days, Y/N felt a shift in the atmosphere of the Butterfly Estate. Once greeted with smiles or nods of respect, he now met with a range of less welcoming reactions. Some people ignored him outright, their eyes going past him as if he were part of the background.

Others gave him disdainful or even scared glances, their expressions twisting into masks of skepticism or fear upon crossing paths with him. Whispers followed him, hushed tones pausing abruptly whenever he approached, leaving an uncomfortable silence.

One day, as he was speaking with Shinobu about routine matters concerning the estate, Y/N noticed two Kakushi passing by. Their looks were not just unfriendly but outright nasty, their eyes darting between him and Shinobu with clear disapproval

Shinobu's reaction was immediate; her eyes narrowed and her posture stiffened. She made to confront them, but Y/N acted swiftly, reaching out to gently grab her hand.

"Let it be, Shinobu," he said quietly, his voice calm but firm. "It's not worth it."

Shinobu turned to him, her anger mixed with confusion. "How can you just stand there and accept this? After everything you've done for them?" she demanded, her voice low but intense.

Y/N offered a small, resigned smile. "Playing dumb seems to be my best option right now. I don't know why they're reacting this way... or maybe I do, and it's just easier not to confront it head-on."

Shinobu looked at him. "You don't deserve this, Y/N. If something is going on, something that's causing this change, we should address it."

He shook his head slightly, his grip on her hand softening. "I appreciate it, Shinobu, I really do. But stirring up more trouble won't help anyone. Let's just focus on our duties here. Whatever this is, it'll pass. I hope."

After kissing Shinobu's forehead, a gesture that made her close her eyes in happiness, Y/N shifted the conversation toward the day's tasks. "So, what do you need help with today?" he asked, ready to lend a hand wherever necessary.

To his surprise, Shinobu mentioned she had invited Tomioka over. "Giyu? But he... isn't a people person," Y/N remarked, a bit puzzled by her choice. Tomioka Giyu known for his taciturn nature and preference for solitude, wasn't the first person he would think of for a social visit.

The thought then struck him—could Shinobu be developing an interest in Giyu? His best friend and Shinobu potentially becoming closer was an exciting prospect. Not only would it be wonderful for Giyu, but it also signified Shinobu moving forward, perhaps even getting over her past feelings for Y/N.

He couldn't help but swoon at the thought, the idea of his best friend and Shinobu, his once unrequited love, finding happiness together filled him with joy. "Oh?! Could it be that Shinobu is getting interested in Giyu? My best friend and hopefully one day sister-in-law together!!!! Awww!" he exclaimed in his mind, getting carried away by his imagination.

Shinobu looked at him with annoyance. "The hell are you swooning about?" she asked bluntly.

Caught in his enthusiastic daydream, he quickly tried to compose himself. "Nothing, nothing... It's just great to see you inviting friends over. Giyu will be good company," he said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Shinobu raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced but deciding not to press the issue further. "I invited Tomioka-san because there are matters that need his input. It's not a social call," she clarified, though the soft tone suggested there might be more to it than purely professional reasons.