Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Twenty

Chisana jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest as she gasped for air. Without hesitation, she crawled into Reiji's arms and buried her face in his chest, seeking comfort and security. 

"It was a nightmare, Chisana." Relieved he wiped a hair strand out of her face. "You even stopped breathing for a moment." 

She swallowed, trying to push down the memories of her nightmare. "I was back underwater and no matter what I tried something kept pulling me deeper," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "It felt so real." 

"You're safe now," Reiji murmured, wiping a few tears away. 

She relaxed a little in his embrace and nuzzled her head against his chest. 

He felt the difference and her warm breath. "Try to get some sleep. It's still early." 

✦✦✦ 

Making her way to the kitchen, Chisana smelled something great before opening the door. I smell tea and something else. Opening the door, she couldn't help but smile at the image of earlier of him, his hair messy and sleepy eyes making him look even more endearing. Seeing him in the kitchen now was different with his glasses back on. "Good afternoon, Reiji." 

"Good afternoon, Chisana." Reiji saw that everything was back to normal. No sign of her nightmare on her face. "Something else for breakfast for a change." He served her a plate with pancakes. "I know you have enough time." 

"Lovely, you spoil me. It's not because of..." 

"No, I like cooking, and you just give me the opportunity to do so." He put two cups of tea down before joining her showing her juice bottle. "I have more time on my hands." 

"Thank you." She put the bottle in her school bag and digged into the pancakes. "These are great." The butter and honey, this is delicious. "When do your exams start?" 

"My next mid-term exams are in October. In July, we'll have vacation first." He liked their casual conversation and how she enjoyed her breakfast. "The final exams are in July next year for me." At least someone likes his cooking. 

I'll remember it. I will make sure you take a small tea break sometimes. "You started your final year in April?" 

He nodded. "I did, yes." 

"How were your midterms in May? You had them earlier as well, right?" She ate in between questions. He can do this more often. As long as it doesn't contain nuts, I can eat anything he puts in front of me. "Were your grades as expected? I imagine straight A's." 

A chuckle sounded. "I don't settle for a grade lower than that." He felt a presence coming and knew who it is. 

"What are you two doing here together?" Yui asked, her voice dripping with contempt.

Chisana looked up at the girl."'Playing chess?' This is the kitchen. What do you think I'm doing here? Are you being oblivious again? You know what, never mind. 

Reiji hid a chuckle on time with his teacup and finished his tea. 

"Don't play dumb with me." Yui couldn't stand the casual and cozy atmosphere between them. She never accomplished anything like it. 

Since when does she address me in front of the others? Or Reiji of all six? Chisana finished her breakfast and noticed Reiji cleaned the table for her. "Thank you, it was delicious." She got up as well and checked her bag. Just some candy and a snack for the break.