nighttime | thomato

chapter 4: don't be a killjoy

Ayato's POV

...

I finally caved in and took the day off work. Luckily, I was also able to find some replacements. The war was gradually beginning to worsen and things were also low after the treasure hoarder invasion, and now these strange demonic monsters. And I couldn't tell anybody because the whole region of Inazuma would go berserk and freak out.

Things had to be kept silent. And I was scared of someone ever hurting Ayaka or Thoma.

"Ayato, good morning!" Thoma says with a wave as I walk out to the kitchen.

"Thoma, what do you say about going out with me?"

Thoma pauses and his face goes red. "Huh?"

"Like out to see friends, maybe Itto and Shinobu?"

"Oh you meant... um yeah, sure! Would Ayaka come along?"

"Yeah, we can invite Yoimiya too since they're all close."

"Okay. I'll let Ayaka know."

I wait for Ayaka and Thoma and Ayaka agrees that hanging out would be really fun. She instantly rushes to invite Yoimiya. Meanwhile, Thoma and I make our way to Itto's hideout. Shinobu and him were close, so it was highly likely she'd be there too. And if not, surely at least Gorou would be there. Although he seemed a bit boring compared to Shinobu, since she and Itto had a good sense of humor.

...

We make it to the hide out where Shinobu is annihilating training dummies with a sword.

Then she notices us.

"Oh hey guys. Itto, we have guests!"

"Oh! Awesome sauce!"

Itto runs out and high fives all of us.

"What brings you guys here?" he asks.

"We all just wanted to take a day to hang out," I respond.

"Oh cool! How about we play something simple like hide and seek?"

I laugh. "What do you all think?"

"Sounds so so fun! Let's do it!" Yoimiya shouts.

"I.. can try?" Thoma responds, scratching his neck.

"I'm down," Ayaka says calmly, smiling at Yoimiya.

"This sounds stupid but I'll play," Shinobu remarks.

"Okay, rules, no going outside of this island. You will pick a partner to explore the hiding group with. The hiding group will consist of the two partners, and they will ideally hide together. The two hunting groups will compete to see who can find who first. When the hiding group is caught, the hunting group will return with them and earn a point. Whoever gets five points first will win. Oh, and the hiding group can move hiding spots but if they are caught moving they lose a point," Itto states.

Shinobu and Itto partner up and Yoimiya runs and side hugs Ayaka, so I'm left with Thoma and he gives me a small nod.

"New rule! Groups are also allowed to give up if they can't find the people. No points will be deducted if so, and if both groups give up, the hiding group gets a point, and we'll sound this instrument to let them know we gave up. We'll also sound it if the hiding group gets caught."

"Makes sense. Prepare to lose," Shinobu snickers.

"So who will be the first hiding group? Any volunteers?" Itto asks.

I look at Thoma. "I guess we can?"

"Okay, then after you guys it'll be Yoimiya and Ayaka, then Shinobu and I, and it'll rotate as such."