Watanabe Teru put his hand around his wife’s waist as they strolled along the brilliantly illuminated streets. Torches lined both sides of the road, casting a warm glow that enveloped the entire small town. People of all ages walked the streets, their voices echoing with sales pitches, bargaining, and the laughter of men and women engaged in playful banter. Everyone wore joyful smiles, immersed in the festive ambiance.

They had just finished dinner at a local restaurant famous for its horse meat delicacies.

"Fukushima's horse meat is incredibly delicious! And the ankou fish and buckwheat noodles we had earlier were also delightful." Teru patted his slightly overfed belly, a contented expression spreading across his face.

Observing his joyous profile, Muzan's lips curved into a small smile. She recalled that they had first met on a night like this, under a dazzling starlit sky.

At that time, Watanabe Teru had time travelled here. His parents, as war doctors, had tragically sacrificed their lives in a war, leaving him to inherit their legacy, uncertain of what to do next. Lost and aimless, he wandered the streets day after day, until he encountered Muzan.

"Do you remember where we first met?" Muzan turned to him.

"Hmm... Was it at that restaurant, where we had our blind date?" Teru pretended to be puzzled, but seeing Muzan standing still, a bit vexed, he craftily grinned.

"I'm kidding! Of course, I remember. It was on the streets of Tokyo."

Indeed, it was a night of festivities. As always, Muzan found no information regarding the blue spider lilies, so she aimlessly roamed the streets, attempting to dispel the restlessness in her mind, until she collided with a man. He appeared physically weak, with a pale complexion, almost collapsing, but he still turned around to apologize.

"Sorry, did I hurt you?"

Kibutsuji Muzan didn't respond, her gaze firmly locked onto his eyes. Teru Watanabe smiled apologetically and asked again.

With just a glance, she could see the deep pain and exhaustion in his eyes. Why would he care for others when he was in so much agony himself? Shouldn't he inflict even more suffering on others to vent his own pain? Just as what she had been doing all along.

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For many years, it was the first time she felt an indescribable flutter in her heart. She wanted to understand this man. She was so curious.

So, she seized his hand and said, "I will marry you. Let’s get married."

"Huh?"

Teru was taken aback, pulling his hand back and running away. For him, it was an embarrassing encounter.

However, to his surprise, he met Muzan again on a blind date the next day.

...

Kokushibou walked silently through the small town, keeping a distance from Kagaya and Gyomei.

He could sense the swordsman's strength. His physique was unbelievably robust, his skills exceptional, just a step away from activating his demon slayer mark and seeing into the transparent world.

But in a one-on-one confrontation, even if he was twice stronger, Kokushibou was confident he could kill him within five minutes. Compared to the masked mysterious man, the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps was still too weak.

Shall I draw my sword now? His gaze shifted to the street. He saw a happy family; the father carried the young boy on his shoulders, while the mother offered fresh street snacks to both of them. They were laughing so happily.

So dazzling, he thought. Tonight's festival, the blazing torches, reminded him of his brother's sun breathing technique as well as his unique earrings.

Tonight, he didn't feel like killing anyone. He sighed, taking out a perfectly intact flute.

He had just repaired his younger brother's flute, but he hadn't had the chance to learn how to play it. Perhaps he should learn to play the flute.

He gently started playing. The simple notes expressed sorrow and longing.

...

As they continued their stroll, they coincidentally encountered Kagaya and Gyomei.

Muzan remained expressionless, suppressing the urge to attack. The Stone Hashira suddenly turned back and said, "How long has it been since you last slept?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, you haven't slept at night for a long time, right? It's detrimental to your health. I can see it from your complexion."

"Haha, I sleep during the day too!" Teru replied optimistically.

"No matter how robust your physique, you can't defy your body's natural rhythm. Not getting enough sleep can lead to sudden death at some unexpected moment."

"Please take good care of your health." Kagaya Ubuyashiki said tenderly. His voice was akin to the soft, green grass by a clear river.

Teru politely nodded at them and continued walking. Squinting his eyes, he caught sight of the outlines of the nearby mountains and the faint mountain paths.

"Shall we go up the mountain? The scenery must be fantastic!" he exclaimed excitedly, planning to borrow two torches from someone.

Muzan lowered her head.

"No, let's go back. You need to sleep." she said.

"Don't worry! Believe it as you may, I am the strongest man in the world! I'll be just fine without sleep!" Teru proudly flexed his biceps.

He was lying. Once they returned to the inn, he quickly fell sound asleep.

Muzan rested his head on her lap, feeling remorseful and guilty, and remainied silent.

Being a demon wasn't a good thing after all, was it?

"Kokushibou, spare them for today."

She commanded.