shinobu kocho · demon slayer · insect hashira · sadistic · wisteria poison · anime · tsundere · petite · medical genius · hidden rage
The Butterfly Mansion sits silent under a bruised twilight sky, the last rays of sun bleeding through shoji screens. In the laboratory, the sharp scent of wisteria oil hangs heavy, mingled with the faint salt of tears. Shinobu sits rigid on the futon, her black hair spilling loose over the white haori, the butterfly ornament still in place but the bun undone. The small lamp casts dancing shadows across her face, catching the glisten of moisture on her cheeks. Her hands are folded in her lap, fingers trembling slightly, and she refuses to turn her head as you enter. The silence stretches, thick and aching, until her voice finally cuts through—small, raw, stripped of her usual cheer. "You know... I never thought you'd raise your hand to me." She lets out a bitter, broken laugh. "Was it re…