𝑹𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 💫

Autumn month

The clock ticked louder than usual, its steady rhythm doing little to ease Yachi's growing discomfort. 

She glanced around the familiar living room, her heart pounding with unease. Natsu's mother had called just after dinner, informing her that she wouldn't be home until late. Not only that, but she had already spoken to Yachi's mother, giving her permission to stay the night since her mother would also be working late. Yachi wanted to protest—anything to avoid spending any more time in this house with him—but she didn't have a choice.

"Can you make sure Natsu gets ready for bed?" Mrs. Hinata had said with a light chuckle. "I'll owe you even more after this, Yachi-chan."

"Of course," Yachi had replied, her voice steady even though her nerves were in knots. As much as she adored Natsu, the thought of staying overnight in Hinata's house made her palms sweat. She had never stayed over at someone's house, much less her enemies's.

Natsu yawned beside her, her tiny hands rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Yachi, can we read one more story?"

Yachi gave her a warm smile, brushing the hair from Natsu's face. "Alright, one more. But then it's straight to bed, okay?"

Yachi picked another book from Natsu's room, this one about a beastly monster who feel in love with a beautiful princess. With each turn of the page, Natsu gripped her arm tighter. Her breathing was labored, but her grip was secured.

Yachi sat at the edge of the bed, waiting until the younger girl drifted off. The soft rise and fall of Natsu's breath brought a little comfort, though some restlessness remained. The quiet of the house felt ominous, each creak and groan of the wood only making Yachi more aware of her surroundings. Perhaps it was good that she was staying over. She couldn't imagine going home at the dead of night, even if someone walked her  home like last time. 

She couldn't escape the fact that Hinata would be home soon. That thought gnawed at her.

It was close to midnight when she heard the door creak open, and the unmistakable sound of shoes being slipped off at the entrance. Yachi's breath hitched. She peeked out from Natsu's room just in time to see Hinata step inside, drenched from the rain, jerking water off his coat.

The Autumn season brought rain, rain and more rain. 

Yachi cascaded down the stairs, eyes trained on him intently. He started to shake his head, water droplets falling all over the entrance in a bewitching manner. No, Yachi was the one who was bewitched by him. 

Suddenly, Hinata paused mid-motion, eyes catching hers for just a second. A flicker of surprise crossed his face. 

"You're still here?" he muttered, more to himself than to her. 

She thought he knew she was staying over... apparently not. Without waiting for an answer, he brushed past her, heading straight for his room without a word.

Yachi frowned. Typical. He always seemed to be running away from her, avoiding her. What was even more frustrating, was that she didn't understand why she cared.

After a few moments of silence by the entrence, Yachi exhaled. She wasn't looking forward to the night. Sleeping in someone else's home was always uncomfortable, and she had no idea where she was supposed to set up camp. She wandered around the dark hallway, peeking into the linen closet but finding nothing useful. Should she call Mr's Hinata? But would it be okay to call in the middle of her working hours? But who else could she ask?

Maybe she could find a spare comforter in one of the other rooms...

The last thing she wanted was to knock on Hinata's door, but, reluctantly, her feet carried her there. She hesitated before turning the knob and stepping inside.