Kanna wasn't sure what Yuki would say next, but when he finally spoke, his voice was low and sincere.
"You're staying with me, then?"
She nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm not leaving until you're ready to come home."
Yuki gave her a tired smile. "Alright. It's not much, but I've got a place just a little ways down the hill. It's quiet, but... cozy."
They began walking down the mountain trail in silence, the air between them both warm with familiarity and tinged with the awkwardness of the unknown. Kanna's mind raced as they approached the small cabin Yuki had rented. She had no idea what to expect, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight when he pushed open the wooden door.
The house was quaint and simple, but undeniably cozy. A fireplace flickered in the corner, casting a soft, warm glow over the rustic wooden furniture. Thick blankets were draped over a single bed, and a small kitchen area stood off to the side. The entire space was inviting, comfortable—except for one glaring detail.
There was only one bed.
Kanna's eyes immediately locked onto it. A single bed. In the middle of the room. And absolutely no other sleeping arrangements in sight.
She hesitated, her heart skipping a beat. They had been best friends for years, and sleeping under the same roof wasn't a big deal, right? But this was different. The cabin was small, the space intimate, and the idea of sleeping in the same room—possibly the same bed—as Yuki stirred something unfamiliar in her chest.
Her stomach fluttered with a strange nervousness she hadn't expected.
Yuki, completely oblivious to her inner turmoil, dropped his backpack by the door and turned to her with a small grin. "It's not much, but it's been home for a few weeks."
Kanna nodded, forcing herself to smile. "It's... cozy."
She glanced around, searching for a couch or an extra blanket—anything that might offer an alternative to the bed. But there wasn't much. The room was too small, and besides, Yuki clearly wasn't thinking anything of it.
Kanna wasn't sure what to say. The logical part of her mind screamed that this was Yuki, her best friend—someone she trusted more than anyone. But another part of her, one she hadn't acknowledged until now, was acutely aware of how close they'd be.
As if sensing her hesitation, Yuki suddenly frowned, looking back at the bed. "Oh... I didn't think about it. There's only one bed. I can sleep on the floor—"
"No, no!" Kanna interrupted quickly, her voice higher than she intended. "You don't have to do that."
Yuki raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
She nodded, forcing down her nerves. "Yeah, it's fine. We've known each other for years. It's not a big deal."
He smiled, seeming reassured by her response. "Alright. Thanks, Kanna."
As Yuki went about tidying up the small space, Kanna set her backpack down and took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the night ahead. It would be fine. They were just friends. Best friends. This wasn't anything more than her supporting him in a difficult time.
But as the evening wore on, Kanna couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in her feelings. The way Yuki's presence seemed more comforting than ever, how his quiet determination to stay hidden from the world drew her in. She'd always admired him, cared for him deeply, but this was different. Being alone with him, away from the noise of their usual lives, made her feel closer to him in a way that felt both natural and foreign.
Later that night, after dinner and hours of talking by the fire, Yuki stretched, stifling a yawn. "I think I'll call it a night."
Kanna nodded, feeling her nerves return as she watched him walk toward the bed. He pulled back the covers, looking over at her expectantly. She swallowed, trying to act nonchalant as she stood and slowly made her way over to the bed, her heart thudding in her chest.
Yuki lay down on one side, giving her plenty of space. "You can take the other side. Don't worry, I won't steal the blankets."
Kanna laughed, though it sounded more nervous than she intended. "Thanks. I'll hold you to that."
She slid under the covers, trying her best to stay calm. The bed was warm, the cabin quiet, but her mind raced as she tried to relax. She could feel Yuki's presence beside her, close but not touching. She turned on her side, facing away from him, and took a deep breath.
Minutes passed, but sleep didn't come. She was hyper-aware of every sound, every movement. The gentle rise and fall of Yuki's breathing seemed louder than it should have, and the warmth of his body radiated through the covers.
Suddenly, Yuki's voice broke the silence. "Kanna?"
She stiffened slightly. "Yeah?"
"Thank you. For coming to find me."
His words were soft, but filled with sincerity. She could feel the emotion behind them, the gratitude that he couldn't quite express fully.
Kanna smiled to herself, her heart swelling. "Of course, Yuki. I'll always come find you."
Silence fell again, but this time, it was more comfortable. Despite the unfamiliar feelings stirring in her chest, Kanna knew one thing for certain: she was exactly where she needed to be. And when Yuki was ready, they would go home—together.
