𝐍𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | 𝐍𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐤𝐢 (𝐍𝐢-𝐊𝐢)

EPISODE 4

The moonlight shimmered softly on the quiet street as Ni-Ki and I strolled back, our earlier adventure still making me giddy. The evening had been a whirlwind of laughter and light-hearted teasing. And as we walked, the thrill of the night seemed to swirl around us like a captivating dance.

In an impulsive burst of energy, Ni-Ki darted ahead, his laughter carrying on the breeze. I couldn't help but chase after him, my heart racing not just from the exercise, but from the exhilaration of being so close to him. He looked back over his shoulder, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Suddenly, I felt a jarring collision and stumbled into a heavy, unsteady figure. My heart dropped as I realized I had bumped into a man who was visibly drunk.

"Oh— I am sorry—" I stammered, trying to regain my balance.

"Yah?! Are you out of your mind?!" he roared, his voice slurred and angry.

"I-I am sorry," I apologized, my voice trembling slightly.

"Can't you see, huh?!" he continued, his anger flaring.

"Listen, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to—" I tried to explain, but his glare was unwavering.

Just then, Ni-Ki appeared at my side, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "What happened?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

The man pointed a finger at us. "Are you with her?"

Ni-Ki's gaze was firm. "Yes. Why?"

The man's eyes narrowed. "What are you two doing out here so late anyway?"

Ni-Ki replied coolly, "That's none of your business."

The man's face reddened. "Don't you know how to behave with elders?! Are these your manners? Just wait. I'm calling the police."

My eyes widened in shock. "What—"

"It's okay. Don't worry," Ni-Ki said reassuringly, though I could see the tension in his eyes.

Ni-Ki turned to the man. "You're calling the police, right?"

The man nodded. "Yes."

"And you're going to file a complaint against us?" Ni-Ki continued, his grip on my hand tightening.

The man nodded again. "Yes. And you both will be sent to jail."

Ni-Ki's eyes twinkled with a sudden, daring idea. "Hmm. But what if they don't find us?"

Before the man could respond, Ni-Ki grabbed my hand and we sprinted away, our laughter mingling with the thrill of the chase. The drunk man, enraged, stumbled after us, but his unsteady steps couldn't keep up with our flight.

We ran through the streets, weaving between shadows and streetlights. I couldn't help but laugh breathlessly as we dashed through the night, the adrenaline and Ni-Ki's presence making everything feel exhilaratingly alive.

Abruptly, Ni-Ki pulled me into a narrow alley. We halted, panting, as we listened to the fading sounds of our pursuer's footsteps. I leaned against the wall, still giggling, as Ni-Ki's gaze met mine.

"It was fun, wasn't it?" he said, his voice low and playful.

I nodded, my heart fluttering from the excitement. I accidentally brushed against something, causing a few objects to clatter to the ground. Startled, I moved closer to Ni-Ki, our faces just inches apart.

The proximity was electrifying. Ni-Ki's eyes softened as he carefully tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered on my cheek, his touch gentle and warm.