Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Seventy-Four

Reiji opened it and noticed the tea bags in different colors while feeling her sitting on the armrest. "Tea in a book. I like it, thank you."

"You and your tea," remarked Ayato. "I know her too you know."

"Is that so? You hardly talk to Yui so what makes you think you know me?" Chisana closed her eyes for a second. "This one here knows me better than anyone. After Reiji come Laito and Yui."

"Oh, I know you, Chiwa. Try me."

You asked for it. "Fine, my favorite color? Let's start simple." Chisana felt a hand on her back and smiled. Don't worry, I know you can answer all of the questions I can think of and without hesitating. 

"May I, Chisana-chan?" Yui knew the answer.

"Him first. Come on, Ayato." Chisana realized they were looking at their brother.

"Blue? You wear blue a lot. And otherwise, gray or brown."

Laito shook his head. "You get close, Ayato-kun but that's a guess instead of an answer."

"Mhmm, I heard the same." Chisana agreed and turned to Reiji. "Reiji?"

"Indigo." Reiji didn't hide his smile. He knew they talked about anything during a cup of tea or over a chess game.

Trying him out, Chisana thought of a few more things. "Favorite drink and favorite candy?" Seeing Laito want to react, she shook no. "I'm asking him. I know you know the answer, and you are not the only one, Laito."

Crossing his arms, Ayato sent a glare to his brother. "Chocolate is your favorite candy, and I know because Laito tried to steal it."

"No need to make him look bad, Ayato, he tried a few times but I hide my chocolate in a place where you'll never find it." In Reiji's room. Chisana heard a low chuckle. Yes, and you know it. "Favorite drink, come on, I asked you two things."

"Uhm, coffee, you always drink coffee at school." Ayato noticed Shu even shook his head.

Putting the mug down, Shu's eyes went from Chisana to his younger brother. "Tea, she always drinks tea. The coffee is to stay awake and focused during class."

Reiji wanted to react but knew it was just a sign that she could get along with all of them. "Her favorite hobby? That should be an easy one."

"Reading." Ayato didn't hesitate this time and was confident about his answer. "You read in the car when we're going to school."

"And?" Chisana was hoping the guy would know her a little by now.

Ayato had no idea what she was hinting about. "And what?"

Turning a quarter, she dropped and straight onto Reiji's lap. "He's hopeless."

Reiji didn't mind and agreed. "She has a few hobbies, Ayato, and not just reading alone."

"Huh, what else?" Ayato couldn't stand it that she got so close to Reiji for sitting on his lap so easily without getting scolded.

Subaru kept the book in his hand. "Playing chess with him and the piano, loser. Do I know her better than you?" He left to put the book safely away.

"Did you forget that I played chess with Reiji with a clock?" Chisana shook her head and pulled Yui from the couch. "Come on, how about chocolate milk on the balcony?"

"Hmm, I like that." Yui followed her to the kitchen.

✦✦✦ 

Hoping the others would stay away, Chisana went to Reiji's room with another surprise. She didn't knock this time and used her elbow to open the door. Surprise, darling. Seeing him by the table, she put the tray down and waited for him. When you're ready, but don't let your tea get cold. She didn't have to wait long and felt his hand pulling her head back to kiss her. Mhmm, is that a weakness now? I love it when he does that. "Is anyone close?"