𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫 │Nishimura Riki

17

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↳ currently playing ;;
[Reflections] - [the neighborhood]

The only light in Lily's living room pulsed from the TV, casting shifting shadows across the plush furniture. Outside, Milan hummed, but inside, a sacred truce was being observed: it was Movie Night. Ni-ki, despite his earlier protestations and his carefully maintained "cool," was undeniably hooked on How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Lily could practically see the gears turning in his head, cataloging every single "don't." He probably wished she'd forgotten their standing rule, or perhaps he secretly hoped she hadn't.

Sofia, Lily's younger sister, a self-appointed popcorn connoisseur, was sprawled on the sofa next to them, periodically launching handfuls into her mouth with impressive accuracy. Every now and then, a muffled "Hey!" would erupt from Lily as Sofia's stray elbow (or rogue kernel) encroached on her personal popcorn quadrant.

"That's my side, you greedy gremlin!" Lily hissed, batting gently at Sofia's pilfering hand, a mock-frown plastered on her face.

"Finders keepers, losers weep-ers!" Sofia retorted, her mouth full, a triumphant smirk on her face. "And you're eating like a vacuum cleaner."

Ni-ki, perched elegantly on the edge of the sofa, would pointedly raise the TV volume, pretending supreme disinterest in their domestic squabble.

Yet, Lily often caught his eye, a faint, amused smile playing on his lips, a shared glint of "they're ridiculous" passing between them. He was clearly picturing Lily, the queen of intricate literary plots, using this cheesy rom-com as some twisted blueprint for future relationship sabotage.

After the cake, after that unexpected, lingering hug, he'd just... stayed over. A casual, comfortable presence that had somehow become routine, anchoring her to a strange, new normal.

While Sofia and Lily were locked in their silent, popcorn-fueled staredown, Lily decided to employ strategy. With a sly, almost imperceptible flick of her wrist, she began subtly scooping popcorn from Sofia's side of the bowl.

Sofia, too busy smirking at Ni-ki, who had now lowered the volume again, clearly entertained by the silent drama, was oblivious.

Ni-ki's eyes met Lily's, a spark of shared mischief passing between them. He suppressed a laugh, but the slight tremble in his shoulders gave him away. He actually chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that pulled Sofia's attention.

"You two are devils!" Sofia declared suddenly, her eyes narrowing as she finally noticed the rapidly dwindling popcorn on her side. Her gaze flicked accusingly between Lily's innocent face and Ni-ki's barely contained amusement. "This is a shared crime, you know! A co-conspiracy!"