caught up in a tricky passage and you are forced to stop and take a closer look.

Shinobu and Kanae do not pay much attention to your practicing, which you find to be a blessing. You weren't sure if you would be able to get anything done if they had been staring intently at you otherwise.

"Nee, (Y/N)-chan?"

You abruptly stop playing. "Yes?"

"Are you sure you don't have a crush on that guy?"

You groan and tilt your head back in anguish. You knew this question was coming sooner or later but you still weren't prepared for it.

Setting your biwa back in its original spot, you flop onto your bed next to Shinobu, who scoots over to make some room for you. Kanae wanders over and sits down next to you.

"So, (Y/N)-chan?"

"... I don't know," you whisper. "I don't know what to do with myself. Actually, no, just what do I do in general? How am I supposed to act? Is there something I'm supposed to do?"

She chuckles, but it's not patronizing.

"Is this your first time having feelings for someone, (Y/N)-chan?"

You hesitantly nod and draw in a shaky breath. Kanae and Shinobu give you some space.

"Yes, Kanae-san. It is my first time."

"What do you see in him?" she prodded gently. Shinobu is all ears now.

Your voice shakes as you continue. "He's just... so bright and charming. He's as warm as the sun and I can't help but gravitate towards him. He's always thinking of me in some way as well. See these earrings?"- you point to the earrings he gave you the other day in the shape of two beakers. "He bought these for me on the way back home from a mission because he said they reminded him of me."

You take a deep breath and cough. "That's... never happened to me. No one's ever gotten me something because it reminded them of me and I know it sounds trivial, but it means a lot to someone who's not used to receiving attention like that."

You fiddle with your earrings absentmindedly before continuing. They notice but don't say anything about it.

"He's also very accepting of who I am despite being a girl. I'm a girl, so by society's standards, I shouldn't be a doctor, I shouldn't be so smart, I shouldn't..."

"Everything about me shouldn't exist according to society's standards. But he doesn't care. The first night I met him, he was full of questions about my profession but not a single one of them made me question whether I should be here or not.

"But he also respects my boundaries. He knows when he's gone too far and apologizes accordingly."

You think back to when he asked you to smile a few nights ago. It was a silly question, but it brought up your family in the process. He then realized he'd gone too far and apologized immediately after.

It brings a faint smile to your face.

Kanae hums understandingly. Shinobu holds your hands reassuringly.

"I never had many friends growing up due to... that being imposed on me from a young age. You know what I'm talking about."

There is a nod from them both.

You let out a choked sob. Being forced to confront your feelings has left you feeling strangely vulnerable and weak like a child. You don't like it. Not when you've worked so hard to overcome and hide your weakness, only for it to come back to bite you in the ass with one simple question.

"Mother always told me that I fell in love too easily. It seems as if she was right."

It was true.

You had fallen fast and hard for Rengoku Kyojuro.

"You are the most emotionally constipated person I have ever met, (Y/N)-chan," teased Shinobu. You shoot a glare at her with your puffy eyes and red nose.

"Wait till you meet Sanemi and Tomioka-san. I dare you to say that again," you shot back.

"Now, now, you two. No fighting," Kanae gently chided, resting a hand on either of your shoulders. You both playfully glare at each other and stick your tongues out before turning around, pouting with crossed arms.

There is a flutter of wings at your bedroom window. Poyo lands on the windowsill and hops inside. He comes to a rest on Shinobu's outstretched finger and leans into her touch.

It's a cute scene, until you remember what he did earlier.

The veins on your forehead bulge in anger, contrasting with the serene smile on your face.

"Poyo."

Your dove immediately stiffens and hesitantly looks at you. The bloodlust radiating from you is enough to make Shinobu and Kanae lean away from you.

"Come here."

He hops off Shinobu's finger and takes baby steps towards you, shaking in fear.

"Do you realize the gravity of what you've done today?" you suddenly shout, making the siblings and Poyo flinch in shock. "Why did you tell Oyakata-sama I was spending time with Kyojuro?! Was it any of your business to do so?! Were you trying to humiliate me in front of everyone? Did you see how much Tengen reveled in my embarrassment? I'll never be able to live this down, all thanks to you!"

Poyo sees your incoming attack and attempts to flee through the open window, only for your hand to shoot out and grab him.

"Poyo, you little shit! You're a dead bird!"

"No, (Y/N)-chan, stop it!" protested Shinobu as she tried to hold you back from attempting to murder your dove.

"I'll kill you! I'll kill you!"

Your shouts can be heard across the estate the rest of the night.

A/N: Poyo is fine. (Y/N) threatened him but she didn't actually do anything to him. I do not condone bird abuse.

This is the butterfly (Y/N)'s hair clip is based off of. It's called the Tree Nymph butterfly and it's primarily found in Southeast Asia.

And now, it's time for a Taisho Secret!
   
Taisho Secret: Sanemi will never admit it, but deep down in his heart, he sees (Y/N) as a little sister he has to protect.