I don't understand... there's always a place for him, he's just as important as my family. But that's the thing, he's important but what I feel for him isn't like them. And I hated the fact he thought I couldn't care for him because of that.

[ He closes his eyes, it isn't to say he doesn't care about his friends either-- he does, but Zenitsu being put in that category doesn't sound right either. He isn't family and he isn't a friend either. He's Zenitsu. Tanjiro hates seeing him in pain, he hates that he sees so little of himself; how Zenitsu seems to be blind from his own courageous heart and neverending kindness.

Tanjiro could picture in his head how gross his laugh is, how sweet his scent could be in rare moments of peace, how particular he can get about certain foods. He still remembers how he protected his dear sister despite his own fears, how he's still part of the Demon Slayer Corps despite his own protests.

Then he thinks about a world without the strange but welcoming smell of salt, copper and sweets. Tanjiro opens his eyes again, his head remains looking down as he comes to a conclusion. ]

I think... I want to spend every moment with him for as long as we're both alive.

[ He finally lets go of his heart and stares at his empty palm. ]

And, if the gods in our home country allow it, I hope I get to be with him again in the next life.

[ It's love. He's in love with Zenitsu, that's the answer, isn't it? ]