CHIHIRO | Billie Eilish

Chapter 42: Tension

Author's POV

Nayla woke up feeling a bit more joyful than the previous days. The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. She turned to see Billie already awake, scrolling through her phone.

"Good morning," Nayla said, smiling as she stretched.

Billie looked up, her expression softening slightly. "Morning, baby" she replied, but there was a tension in her voice. "Any plans for today?"

Nayla thought for a moment. "I need to prepare some notes for my dissertation topic and maybe do some grocery shopping. How about you?"

Billie's grip on her phone tightened. "I thought we could spend the day together. Maybe go for a walk or watch a movie."

Nayla kissed Billie's cheek. "That sounds lovely, but I really need to get some work done. I promise we'll have the whole evening together."

Billie's expression turned serious. "Are you meeting anyone today?"

Nayla raised an eyebrow. "No, just me and my books. Why do you ask?"

Billie shrugged, trying to seem casual. "Just curious. You've been busy lately, and I miss spending time with you."

Nayla smiled, but she felt a slight unease. "I miss you too, Billie. But we'll have time tonight, okay?"

Billie nodded, but Nayla could see the doubt in her eyes.

Later in the morning, as Nayla was organizing her study materials, her phone buzzed with a text message. She glanced at the screen and saw it was from Rhea.

"Hey, Nayla! Want to catch up again? Maybe over coffee this time?" the message read.

Nayla hesitated, considering the idea. Before she could respond, Billie walked into the room and saw the message on Nayla's phone.

"Rhea again?" Billie asked, trying to keep her tone neutral but failing to hide the irritation.

"Yeah, she just wants to catch up," Nayla replied, sensing the tension. "But I haven't decided yet."

Billie frowned. "Why do you need to catch up with her? Isn't it enough that you saw her multiple times already?"

Nayla sighed. "She's just an old friend, Billie. Nothing more."

Billie's eyes narrowed slightly. "I hope so. I just don't want you to get too close to her."

Nayla nodded, feeling the strain of the conversation. "I understand. I'll be careful."

After breakfast, Nayla decided to head to a nearby café to get some studying done. "I'm going to the café to study," she announced.

Billie looked up from her phone. "Want me to come with you?"

Nayla shook her head. "It's okay. I'll be more focused alone."

Billie frowned but didn't argue. "Alright, just text me if you need anything."

At the café, Nayla found a quiet corner and started working on her notes. However, her concentration was frequently interrupted by text messages from Billie.

"How's it going?" Billie texted.

"Good, just getting some work done," Nayla replied.

A few minutes later, another message arrived. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Nayla sighed, feeling the tension rising. "Yes, Billie. I'm fine. Just studying."

As Nayla continued to work, she found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. Billie's messages, though well-intentioned, were a constant reminder of the tension simmering between them.