Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Eleven

It happened too fast, but he still felt the kiss on his cheek as he could only look at the door, which closed behind her. Puzzled by her kiss, he didn't realized his glasses slipped lower. 

Her footsteps were muffled by the carpet as she went towards the kitchen. I can't believe I did that. In the kitchen, she put the tray down and leaned against the counter. He does take care of me sometimes. And no, it's not only gratitude. Have I lost my mind to kiss his cheek? I must have. She washed the teacups. After that, she checked the pantry. Let's see if I can take something. Or maybe I should just get a drink and go back to my room. Oh, there is chocolate! Taking two bars, she headed back to her room with another cup of tea. Back to my book. I could finish it. 

✦✦✦ 

Shu refused to use the car and teleported straight to the city in an alley. "Remember this place in case we get separated." 

Chisana looked around for something to recognize. "Why? Do you plan to leave me alone?" Maybe Reiji's warning to keep his number at hand wasn't a bad thing. "I thought we go to the shop, and I'll go inside to get one or two for you." 

"You're not wrong. I will wait outside." He couldn't get over the fact that his earbuds were stolen. "Two... no, three pairs. I hardly use my money, anyway." He handed her his wallet. "There should be enough money. Cash only." 

She nodded while paying attention to how they walked to the shop. However, when she turned to Shu, he walked ahead and barely visible. "Shu, you walk too fast, please." I know you can hear me. Slow down a little, I don't know the city. It's not were I used to live.  

Hearing her voice, he turned around but didn't see her. Cursing himself, he went back because she would call his brother if they got separated. He found her under a street light. "Stay close. The shop isn't far." He put his arm around her so he couldn't lose her.  

"I can walk faster, but you also told me to remember the alley. I was looking for any kind of landmark like a shop. I don't want to get separated but if it happens, I want to find it back." She paid attention to the shops as they walked around a corner. 

A plausible argument. Even if he lost her, he couldn't go home without her. "We're here." He stopped at the entrance. "Three if you can. It's safer for me to stay outside." 

"I understand. No funny colors either, right? Just black?" If nothing weird happens, I can let him bite me. She looked at him for confirmation. 

"Just black," he gestured with his head to the shop. "It won't be long before they close the doors." 

She went inside and found the earbuds. Just black. Nice and simple. I mean, I have all-black earbuds too. She saw the price and counted the money. Three is possible. I'll tell him to keep a spare in his pocket. With three boxes, she walked to the register and paid for it. With the earbuds in a plastic bag, she strolled outside but he disappeared. "Shu?" Don't tell me you took off? She followed her footsteps back in the direction from which they came. Shu, don't do this to me. Why did you leave? She found the alley back but, not Shu. "Shu! Where are you?!' You can not leave me alone in a city I don't know? Where am I supposed to go? I don't even know where to start looking for him. "Come on, this is not the time for jokes!" Should I look for him or call Reiji? She looked around and found a broken bottle on the ground. Can I get him here if he would smell my blood? She picked a sharp piece and hesitated. Well, at least I can say that I tried something. If this doesn't lead him to me, I don't know what will. Before she changed her mind she made a small cut on the back of her hand. Come on, Shu? You would recognize my blood, right? Or are the scents of the city too strong? How long should I wait before calling Reiji? She opened and closed her hand, which she kept repeating to keep the muscles warm. "Shu!" Respond, please, do I have to call your brother? Maybe I cut more than I should have. She squeezed her eyes for the pain in her hand. A band-aid is not needed either because they always heal the puncture wounds and that means they can heal this too. Shu, come on. Checking her watch, she realized he was gone for almost fifteen minutes. Five more minutes, you should be able to smell my blood. This was my last idea and thought it would work. You can't be that far away. I know you would be in trouble for leaving me alone. I don't know the city that well. He shouldn't have left. No, if I wait any longer Reiji would be angry at me for waiting so long. She fished her phone out of her pocket and selected Reiji's number. "You don't leave me much choice." She tapped on the dial and waited for it to ring.