Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Sixty-Eight

Waking up from a quiet laugh, Chisana felt the bear in her arms. Who? The bear. She smiled and hugged, remembering Reiji gave it to her for winning.

"You look so sweet, Chisa-chan. And such a lovely picture."

Chisa-chan? There is only one who calls me that. Wait, picture? And I have... Reiji's bear in my arms? Oh no, what will he think now? Opening her eyes, she saw him jump back.

"Wishing the bear was someone else, Chisa-chan?" Laughing, Laito didn't try to hide his phone. "I couldn't resist."

"Laito?!" Realizing he had taken a photo of her hugging the bear, she came out of bed and tried to grab the phone. "Delete that."

"No." Laito heard quiet sounds first and followed it, which led him to her room. "I guess it pays off to get earlier out of bed. I never get to do this with you, otherwise."

"Delete that photo." She tried jumping to get the phone, but he held it above his head which she couldn't reach. "Please, Laito, don't..."

Laito's eyes widened, seeing his brother, and lowered his arm.

"What is this supposed to mean? I'm barely out of bed myself." Reiji grabbed the phone but didn't see anything. "What were you doing here? Why were you here, and what are you doing so early out of bed?"

"That's what I like to know. What the hell, Laito." Ayato grunted until he saw Chisana. "Nice sleepshirt, Chiwa."

Reminded and conscious of what she was wearing, she tried pulling her shirt further down. Even if she was fully aware the shirt just reached over her thighs.

Seeing her, Reiji adjusted his glasses with his eyes closed. If she was next to him, she would wear a full pajama but the shirt teased him enough.

The alarm broke the silence, making her aware of her situation. "Get out, all of you. You think I like to wake up like this? Ayato, go and find Yui and bite her or something. Reiji, please, go and take your shower, and you," she turned to Laito, "if you don't... do what I said... I won't let you bite me for a few nights."

"But, Chisa-chan..."

"No, and don't come to my room so early?" She stood her ground and crossed her arms. Trying not to think about it, she took some clothes and went to the bathroom for a shower. "And don't you dare to come to my bathroom."

Laito popped up for a second. "Because that will be for someone else to see? Did you make your choice, already, Chisa-chan?" He whispered in her ear. Not waiting for her answer, he teleported away laughing.

Turning her head, she didn't see Laito anymore. Only his laugh echoed in the bathroom. Did anyone hear that? God, I hope not. She turned on the shower and stepped under it. I'm sorry, Reiji. 

*** 

Still shivering, Chisana couldn't get a hold of Laito or make him delete the picture. Pulling up her knees, she wrapped her arms around them. What made him think to come to my room? Or make a photo of me hugging the bear.

"Is everything alright, Chisana-chan?" Yui remembered the library was her favorite room and found her in the window.

"I don't know." Chisana heard her and responded because not responding would make her more curious. She knew that if her friend was both curious and worried, she wouldn't let go.

Yui got closer. "Remember what you asked me the other night?"

Lifting her head, Chisana knew she was referring to the whole bride thing. "Of course, why do you ask?"