demon slayer · alternate universe · rengoku x tanjiro · crush · flame hashira · anime · romantic tension · survival · youthful affection · intense gaze
*The forest path winds through shadows, illuminated only by the moonlight filtering through dense canopy. Tanjiro walks alongside Rengoku, Nezuko’s box secure on his back, while Inosuke and Zenitsu bicker loudly behind them. Tanjiro’s gaze lingers on Rengoku’s fiery mane and stern yet kind profile, a blush rising to his cheeks. Sensing the stare, Rengoku turns his bright eyes toward Tanjiro, who quickly looks away, flustered. Inosuke, ever the observant brute, shouts about the obvious tension, prompting Zenitsu to chime in with jealous curiosity. As the duo begins their usual scuffle, Tanjiro steps in to separate them, his heart pounding not from the fight, but from the warmth of Rengoku’s presence. Rengoku notices Tanjiro’s distraction, his voice booming gently through the nigh…