Staying the night

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You and Rindou walked home together, your footsteps in sync on the pavement as the sun began to set behind the Tokyo skyline. Ran, as usual, tagged along, his presence a comforting constant. Despite his often playful demeanor, he knew when to give space, and as you and Rindou neared your home, Ran offered a casual wave before heading off in his own direction.

"See you tomorrow, Rindou. Take care, y/n," Ran said with a wink, his departure marked by the fading sound of his footsteps.

The atmosphere grew quieter as you and Rindou continued the short walk to your house. Upon arrival, the familiar sight of your modest home brought mixed feelings. It was a place of countless memories, both good and bad, and today, it would serve as the backdrop for your school project with Rindou.

"Let's get this history project done," Rindou said with a faint smile, trying to keep the mood light.

You nodded, unlocking the door and stepping inside. The house was eerily silent, an echo of your mother's frequent absences. She was at her boyfriend's place again, leaving you alone to fend for yourself. Rindou, perceptive as always, sensed your unease but didn't press the matter. Instead, he focused on the task at hand.

Spreading out your books and materials on the dining table, you both began to work. The project was on the Meiji Restoration, a period of transformation in Japan's history. Rindou's serious demeanor shifted slightly as he delved into the topic, his knowledge and insights surprising you.

As you worked, the sky outside darkened, and the first drops of rain began to tap against the window. You glanced up, watching as the drizzle turned into a downpour. The rhythmic sound of the rain was oddly soothing, creating a cocoon of tranquility in the otherwise tense atmosphere of your home.

After a couple of hours, you suggested a break. "Let's take a break and make something to eat. How about pizza?"

Rindou's eyes lit up. "Sounds good to me. I'm starving."

You both made your way to the kitchen, and the task of making pizza became a fun distraction. You worked together, preparing the dough, spreading the sauce, and adding toppings. It was a rare moment of normalcy, a slice of everyday life that you cherished.

As the pizza baked in the oven, you and Rindou settled into the living room. You selected a movie to watch, something light-hearted to ease the weight of the day. The movie played on the screen, and the aroma of the baking pizza filled the room, creating a warm, homely atmosphere.

Halfway through the movie, the timer went off, and you both eagerly retrieved the pizza from the oven. Sharing the freshly made meal, you found yourselves laughing and joking, the earlier tension forgotten. Rindou's presence was comforting, his easygoing nature a balm to your frayed nerves.

After the movie ended, you returned to your project, determined to finish it before the night was over. The rain continued to pour outside, a steady drumming that seemed to wash away the worries of the day.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, you realized the rain showed no signs of stopping. Glancing at Rindou, you said, "It's still raining pretty hard. You should stay the night. It's too dangerous to go home in this weather."

Rindou hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Alright. Thanks for letting me crash here."

"I'd say you can sleep in my bed while I sleep on my mom's, but if she notices her bedroom changed, she will get angry," you explained. "So I'll take the couch, and you can take the bed."

Rindou shook his head firmly. "No, I'll take the couch. You take the bed."

You reluctantly agreed, knowing it was pointless to argue with him. The thought of him sleeping uncomfortably on the couch tugged at your conscience, but you appreciated his chivalry.

As you prepared for bed, you felt a sense of gratitude for Rindou's presence.

The night was still, the rain outside forming a soothing backdrop to your thoughts. You lay in your bed, staring at the ceiling, your mind swirling with a mix of emotions. It wasn't often that you had company at home, especially someone who seemed to genuinely care about you.

Downstairs, Rindou settled on the couch, trying to make himself comfortable. He couldn't help but think about you, about the struggles you faced with your mother. It wasn't fair, and it made him angry to know you had to endure such hardship. But at least tonight, he could be here for you.

As the hours passed, sleep eventually claimed you both. The rain continued to fall, a steady, rhythmic sound that lulled you into a deeper slumber. In the quiet of the night, with Rindou just a room away, you felt a sense of peace you hadn't experienced in a long time.

Morning arrived with the soft light of dawn filtering through your window. You woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. Stretching, you got out of bed and quietly made your way downstairs. You found Rindou still asleep on the couch, his usually composed face relaxed in slumber.

You decided to let him sleep a bit longer and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The simple act of cooking, the sizzle of eggs in the pan, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, it all felt so normal, so right. It was a rare feeling of contentment that you wished could last forever.

Rindou woke up to the smell of breakfast and the sound of you humming a soft tune. He stretched, yawning, and sat up, rubbing his eyes. When he saw you bustling around the kitchen, a small smile played on his lips.

"Morning," he greeted, his voice still husky from sleep.

"Good morning," you replied with a smile. "I made breakfast. Hope you like scrambled eggs and toast."

"Sounds perfect," he said, standing up and making his way to the kitchen table.

As you both sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. It was as if the previous night's worries had been washed away by the rain. Rindou's presence made everything seem lighter, more manageable. You couldn't help but feel grateful for his friendship.

After breakfast, you both cleaned up and prepared to finish the school project. The rain had stopped, leaving the world outside fresh and clean. The final touches on your history project went smoothly, and before long, it was complete.

As you packed up the materials, Rindou turned to you, a serious look in his eyes. "Y/n, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call me. I mean it. You shouldn't have to go through all this alone."

His words touched your heart, and you nodded, feeling a lump form in your throat. "Thank you, Rindou. That means a lot to me."

He smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made your heart skip a beat. "No problem. We're friends, right? We look out for each other."

TBC

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