Breaking the Grid

Cuddles

Kyra's face was hard to read as she pointed down the hall, her voice almost a whisper. "The room's down there, second door on the left. You can grab anything to wear."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the moment between us. "Thanks," I said, my voice quiet. Watching her turn and head back to the living room, I couldn't help but linger on the way she moved—tense, a little too fast, like she was eager to escape. I didn't say anything, just let her go, the air thick with something unsaid.

After a deep breath, I headed down the hallway, feeling the quiet house around me. The bedroom door creaked slightly as I opened it, and the second I stepped inside, I was surrounded by Kyra's scent. It was soft, delicate, like lavender mixed with something deeper, something that made my chest tighten. The room was warm and cozy, much like the rest of the house, but there was something more personal here—a sense of her in every detail. The bed looked so inviting, a tempting escape from the long, emotionally draining day, but instead, I made my way to the wardrobe.

As I opened it, my eyes scanned the neatly arranged clothes, and I reached for a plain t-shirt, something simple. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw it—folded neatly on the bed. A black hoodie with the Arsenal logo, unmistakably Kyra's. The thought of putting on something so personal, something that clearly belonged to her, made me pause. I hesitated, unsure if I should even touch it. But the thought of her scent wrapped around me, her warmth lingering in the fabric—it was too hard to resist.

I picked it up gently, the fabric soft between my fingers. Holding it to my face, I breathed in deeply, the scent of her filling my lungs. It made my heart race, this small, intimate connection. I slipped it on, the oversized hoodie falling comfortably around me. The warmth of it wasn't just physical—it felt like I was wearing a part of her, something she cherished.

Before I left the room, I hesitated for a moment. I didn't know if Kyra would mind, if she'd be okay with me wearing her hoodie. It felt personal, maybe too personal. But it was too late now, and the thought of asking her made me nervous in a way I wasn't used to.

I stepped out of the room quietly, padding back down the hall. The living room was dim, the glow of the TV flickering against the walls. As I entered, I felt all their eyes turn toward me—Kyra, Alessia, Lotte—each of them looking, though none of them said a word. The room was filled with the quiet hum of the movie, but the tension was palpable.

I stood there for a moment, unsure of where to sit. Lotte was nestled comfortably between Alessia and Kyra, the three of them sprawled across the couch. There was an open spot next to Alessia, but it didn't feel right. My eyes found Kyra's, and I moved toward her without saying a word.

"Is it okay if I sit here?" I asked, my voice soft, almost timid.

Kyra's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded, scooting over to make space for me. "Yeah, of course."

Alessia smirked, nudging Lotte with her elbow. "Good thing you're here, or I'd be the third wheel tonight."

Lotte chuckled, but the mood shifted slightly, everyone suddenly more aware of the tension in the room. I sat beside Kyra, my body stiff, too aware of the small space between us.

The movie played on, but Kyra sat next to me like a statue—rigid, her body drawn tight as though she was afraid of touching me. I could feel the awkwardness radiating off her, and it made me tense too. Was she still thinking about what almost happened earlier in the bathroom? I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd crossed some invisible line.

After a few minutes, I leaned in closer, my lips brushing against her ear as I whispered, "Is it... okay if I wear this? Your hoodie, I mean."

Kyra turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting mine in the soft light. I saw a flicker of something—maybe surprise, maybe something warmer—but then a small smile tugged at her lips.