Its Your Turn, Eri!

Chapter 9: Preparation

Eri woke up the next morning in her dorm room, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. She blinked a few times, her eyes adjusting to the light, and noticed Kota sleeping on the floor beside her bed, a blanket half-draped over him. The sight brought a small, grateful smile to her lips.

As she lay back against her pillow, the events of the previous day came rushing back to her in a whirlwind of fear and confusion. Her dad's grave announcement about the breakout at Tartarus, hearing Chisaki Kai's name, and the Shie Hassaikai being freed—it all seemed like a nightmare she couldn't escape.

Eri recalled the panic that had seized her, the uncontrollable sobs that wracked her body as the terror of her past came flooding back. She remembered Kota's comforting presence, his desperate attempts to calm her, and how he had stayed with her even as the night wore on.

The memory of Tsukauchi's grim face as he explained the danger she was in still sent shivers down her spine. Her mind flashed to the moment when her sensei had escorted her back to the dorms, and the comforting yet surreal walk back, trying to process the reality of Chisaki being free once more.

But it was Kota's unwavering support that had helped her hold on, even if just barely. His presence had given her a semblance of security amidst the chaos. She recalled the conversation they had, her voice breaking as she confided in him about her fears, and how he had listened patiently, reassuring her as best he could.

Eri glanced over at Kota, still sound asleep, and felt a surge of gratitude. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself for the day ahead. The fear was still there, lurking at the edges of her mind, but she knew she wasn't alone. She had friends who cared about her and would help her face whatever came next.

Grabbing a nearby pillow off of her bed, Eri harshly threw it down onto Kota's face. Kota quickly woke up and flung the pillow off of him.

"Eri what the fuck??"

Eri giggled, "Good morning sleepyhead. You better get out of my room now before people start assuming we're a couple."

"But everyone knows you're aromantic," Kota groaned as he laid back down.

"You're still in my bedroom. Up! Chop chop!" Eri clapped, "Don't make me get my dad."

Kota rolled his eyes as he got up off of her floor, "Fine. I'm getting you back for this later!"

Eri chuckled as she watched her friend exit her room, "Good luck with that!"

.....

The next day, Katsuma couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and anxiety that gnawed at him. As he walked to the gym with Eri and Kota, he struggled to maintain a calm demeanor. Every glance they gave him felt like a silent accusation, even though they had no idea about his eavesdropping.

"Hey, Katsuma, are you okay?" Eri asked, noticing his distracted look.

Katsuma forced a smile, trying to mask his inner turmoil. "Yeah, I'm fine, Eri. Just a bit tired, that's all."

Kota frowned, his protective instincts on high alert. "Are you sure? You don't look fine."

Katsuma's heart raced. He knew he had to pull himself together, but the weight of the secret he was carrying felt like a crushing burden.

  "Yeah, I'm sure," he said, his voice slightly strained. "Just didn't get much sleep last night."

They entered the gym, where their classmates were already warming up. Katsuma tried to focus on the exercises, but his mind kept drifting back to the previous night's events. What if Rozū said something? What if Eri and Kota found out he had been listening in on their private conversation?