Braided Pony

CHAPTER 10

The following day was gloomy, the sun hidden behind thick clouds. I lay in bed, the events of last night weighing heavily on me. Ran had canceled our date, only to try reaching me a few hours later. I had been really excited for that date, but I understood he was busy.

I sighed deeply, covering my eyes with my hand. After a moment, I sat up and unlocked my phone, seeing a barrage of messages from Hina. Most were asking if I was okay, but one message made my heart stop:

"Hina: Draken is in the hospital. He was stabbed last night."

I leaped out of bed, adrenaline surging through me. I dashed downstairs, nearly tripping over my own feet in my haste.

"Good morning—"

"Morning!" I called out, grabbing a piece of toast as I sprinted past my grandfather and out the front door. I heard him shout after me, "Where are you going?"

But I was already too far to answer, and only then did I realize I was still in my pajamas.

(RAN HAITANI)

I made my way to Himari's house, feeling a knot of regret tightening in my chest. Last night had left her upset, and I couldn't stand the thought of her feeling lonely. I reached their door and knocked, waiting a few seconds before her grandfather opened it.

"Oh, hello, Ran. I didn't expect you today. Please, come in."

He stepped aside with a warm smile, and I returned it as I walked inside.

"Is Himari still asleep?"

"Oh no, she ran off somewhere," he replied.

I frowned, turning to look at him. "Do you know where she went?"

"I don't think she'll be long, though. She ran out still wearing her pajamas," he said with a chuckle.

I smiled at the thought of her in her cute pajamas. "May I wait for her then?"

"Of course, you can wait for her," he said with a nod.

"Could I go up to her room to wait for her there? I don't want her to see me until she gets to her room. Is that okay?"

Mr. Suzuki paused for a moment, considering. "Of course. Is everything alright between you two?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," I assured him with a smile before heading upstairs to Himari's room. The familiar, sweet scent of her perfume greeted me as I entered.

I looked around, taking in the details of her room. The walls were a soft lavender blush, and her bed, draped in rose gold bedding, sat in the middle of the room. Above the bed, a window let in the muted daylight. On either side of the bed were wooden bedside tables with lamps. As I scanned the room, my eyes landed on a jacket that wasn't mine. I walked over, reaching out to touch it, feeling a pang of jealousy flare up inside me.

Just then, I heard footsteps running up the stairs. She was home.

(HIMARI SUZUKI)

I raced to the hospital, but the heavy traffic delayed me and, inadvertently, provided a moment to catch my breath. As I waited, I noticed people glancing and laughing in my direction. Confused, I looked down and realized with mortification that I was still in my pajamas. My face flushed red with embarrassment as I quickly retraced my steps home.

Once inside, I hurried upstairs and shut my door. My heart sank when I turned around to find Ran standing by my closet, holding Toshiro's jacket. His usual cheerful demeanor was absent; he simply stared at me with a blank expression.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, crossing my arms to mask my discomfort.

"I came to make it up to you," he replied, his gaze unwavering.