Secrets Among the Elite kiyotaka x suzune

Chapter 7: First Names and New Beginnings

The sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the small dorm room. Kiyotaka Ayanokoji woke to the familiar warmth beside him. Suzune Horikita was still asleep, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder, her breath soft and even. The quiet intimacy of the moment was something Kiyotaka had quickly grown accustomed to, though it still felt new and somewhat surreal.

For a few moments, he simply watched her sleep, the early morning light highlighting the delicate features of her face. There was something calming about seeing her like this—unguarded, peaceful, and completely at ease. It was a stark contrast to the sharp, determined person she usually presented to the world, and Kiyotaka found himself quietly marveling at how much things had changed between them.

As if sensing his gaze, Suzune stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the light, and when her eyes finally met his, a small, sleepy smile tugged at her lips. "Good morning," she murmured, her voice soft.

"Morning, Suzune," Kiyotaka replied, the use of her first name slipping out naturally. It was something they had started doing more frequently after that night—a small but significant step in their relationship.

Suzune blushed slightly at the sound of her name on his lips, though the smile never left her face. "You're up early," she noted, shifting slightly but making no move to leave his side.

"Just enjoying the peace," Kiyotaka replied, his tone light. "And your company."

Her blush deepened, and she playfully nudged him with her elbow. "You're getting too comfortable with the compliments," she teased, though there was no real bite to her words.

Kiyotaka smirked. "Maybe, but I think you like it."

Suzune rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide the smile that followed. "Maybe I do," she admitted quietly, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "Kiyotaka."

The sound of his first name, spoken so gently by her, sent a warmth through him that he still wasn't entirely used to. It was different—special—in a way that he hadn't experienced before. And as much as he enjoyed the playful banter, there was a deeper sense of connection that was slowly growing between them.

They lay there in silence for a few more moments, simply enjoying each other's presence. Eventually, Suzune shifted, propping herself up on one elbow as she looked down at him. "So... what do you want to do today?"

Kiyotaka thought for a moment, considering their options. It was a Saturday, meaning they had the whole day to themselves. "How about we go out for breakfast?" he suggested. "We've been eating in a lot lately."

Suzune nodded, her eyes brightening at the idea. "That sounds nice. Maybe we could find somewhere new."

Kiyotaka agreed, and after a few more minutes of lingering in the warmth of the bed, they both got up to get ready for the day. As they moved around the room, there was a comfortable ease between them, the kind that came with familiarity and a growing sense of trust.

Once they were ready, they left the dorm together, walking side by side through the quiet campus. The school grounds were still mostly empty at this hour, the students either sleeping in or busy with their own plans for the day. It was a peaceful walk, and Kiyotaka found himself appreciating the simplicity of it—just being with Suzune, with no immediate concerns or distractions.

They found a small café just off campus, one that neither of them had visited before. The atmosphere was cozy, with warm wooden décor and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. They chose a table by the window, where they could watch the world go by as they enjoyed their meal.