Chapter 3: Rising Action
Mitsuri's heart raced as she cursed herself for her wardrobe malfunction. As Tanjiro stood too close, trying to help her, she felt the devastating heat radiating off him, making her weak at the knees.
"Tanjiro," Obanai growled, his voice like gravel underfoot, sending shivers down her spine. He'd been watching from the doorway, a scowl marring his typically serious face.
She hadn't even noticed him, so engrossed was she in the feeling of Tanjiro's hand so close to her breast. It wasn't Tanjiro she wanted though. Desire burned for Obanai and Obanai alone.
"Mitsuri," Obanai repeated, his gaze narrowing as Tanjiro's hand hesitated inches from her body. In that moment, the atmosphere changed completely. Tanjiro took a step back, guilt flashing across his features.
He looked like a deer caught in headlights, unsure of what just happened or how to respond.
That’s right, Tanjiro, Mitsuri thought to herself, retreat.
"Leave now, Tanjiro," Obanai said firmly, never once breaking eye contact with Mitsuri. "That is not how one assists a lady."
Tanjiro nodded, backing out of the room before loudly apologizing "Sorry Iguro-san," and disappearing around the corner.
Obanai waited a moment until the sound of Tanjiro's footsteps had faded away. He then closed the door behind him and walked over to Mitsuri. She stood there, her breathing heavy and eyes wide with anticipation.