Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness

Not Like That

My alarm goes off the next morning at half past seven. I sit up, rub my eyes and turn the blaring sirens off, - I chose this as my alarm tone because it's hard to ignore - turning to the window when I feel a figure beside me.

I look down and see Kai, lying there, asleep. When had we gone to bed? I know it was probably quite late considering the fact that I'm extremely tired right now, and I never usually am.

Quietly, I get myself out of bed as not to wake Kai up - I'm sure he wouldn't be happy about that - and get ready for my university lectures. I make sure to do everything perfectly and then go and look at my assignments - thankfully they're due in tomorrow, so I can do them tonight. I'm not usually one for doing assignments the night before but last night was an occasion.

I'm still surprised by the fact that Kai exists. I fell asleep, thinking, almost hoping it was a dream. Not for my own purposes, no, I quite enjoy having someone around, but for Kai's. It must be so lonely and scary down here on earth, all alone, having to get used to a completely new place without anyone of your own species there.

After brushing my teeth and showering, I head downstairs to make myself a cup of tea and have a scone or two - I'm not one for a large breakfast, sadly, even though it's the most important meal of the day - however, I'm greeted by a startling sight that has me gasping and taking a step back.

Kai. In an apron, and nothing else, frying eggs.

My head starts spinning slightly at the thought of nudity and I shriek, "K-K-Kai! What are you doing without any clothes on?!"

Kai turns around, an amused look on his face by my outburst and giggles (adorably, but I'm not one to say that out loud!), "It's what humans do, is it not? I've watched humans for over four billion years and picked up on certain habits, like how they have barbecues every Sunday and eat a huge stuffed turkey on Christmas." he explained, keeping the amused look, all the while.

"Y-y-yes, b-but! Only partners dress like this in front of each other! N-not barely acquaintances!" I protest.

"We are partners!" Kai says.

I look confused, "What? That's not true, we're not -"

"We live together. Therefore we are partners in living, are we not?" Kai asks.

Well... I can't really argue with that, can I? We are partners, in that sense, but in the sense I was talking about, no, we are not but I don't know how to explain this to Kai, so I don't.

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How do you explain to the thirteen people who view your blog regularly that you managed to bump into a star, so, sorry, you couldn't get a glimpse of the meteor shower yourself, let alone take a photograph for them?

Simple. You don't.

I lock the door when I leave, ensuring Kai has no way of getting out. People would not only think he was crazy for claiming to be a star, but they'd also thing I was crazy if he were ever to bring me up in conversation. To keep him occupied and out of trouble, I gave him a few things to use - my laptop, television, pens, pencils, felt tips, food... anything anyone could want, I gave him. I can't afford for him to get into trouble, I really can't. For starters, my landlord would probably kick me out (which reminds me, how do you hide a star when your landlord comes for the monthly inspection? Do you lie and say it's a friend or tell the truth?), and the police would most likely get involved too. I can't afford a criminal record if I want to work for a company like NASA, it wouldn't look good.

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University speeds by, as if time and space want me to go home and see Kai's dazzling (since when did I think that?) face. I haven't been able to keep him out of my thoughts today and it's been... frustrating at the very least. Perhaps after today, after seeing that he (hopefully) managed to behave himself, I'll calm down, be a little less skeptical.

I walk home from the campus and unlock the door with a soft click. I pad into the dark hallway and hear a few noises coming from the living room. The television. By the sounds of it, The Great British Bake-off is on. I walk in and find Kai with a bowl of popcorn in his hands, eyes glued to the screen. I chuckle to myself and walk past him into the kitchen.

As I start to make myself a sandwich, I feel arms around my waist. I turn around, a blush high on my face and find Kai burying his face between my shoulder blades, smiling.

"You're finally home." he mumbles, pulling away.

"I am." I nod."Why were you hugging me?"

Kai's eyebrows furrow, "Is that not what humans do? I've seen it so many times before!"

"They do but..." I pause and sigh. "Only couples, meaning people who are in a relationship, do this sort of thing. We are partners in living, yes, but we're not romantically involved." I explain, running a hand through my hair.

"A-ah. Sorry for making you uncomfortable then." Kai says. "I hope you don't kick me out... I-I'm so -"

He sounds like he's about to panic to I cut him off, "It's fine. You're a star, I can't blame you." I say, offering a small smile as a source of comfort.

Kai smiles back and it's so brilliantly bright, I can't find it in myself to be mad as I ruffle his hair and make two extra sandwiches for him.