obsession

Chapter 5: Shelter

Kira tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Outside, the storm raged on, the thunder rumbling through the sky, each crash louder than the last. She had never been good with storms; they always made her feel small and helpless. As another crack of lightning lit up the room, followed by a loud boom of thunder, she sat up abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest.

She hugged her knees, trying to calm herself, but the storm seemed relentless. Her thoughts immediately drifted to Fearin. She didn’t know why, but somehow, the idea of being near him felt safer than staying in her room alone. Before she could talk herself out of it, she slipped out of bed and quietly made her way down the hall to his room.

The hallway was dimly lit, the storm casting eerie shadows along the walls. She hesitated for a moment outside his door, but when another bolt of lightning flashed through the sky, she knocked softly.

“Fearin?” she called in a small voice, barely above a whisper.

There was no response, so she pushed the door open slowly. Inside, the room was dark, but she could make out his form under the sheets. He hadn’t stirred. She bit her lip, unsure if she should wake him. But the next thunderclap made the decision for her.

“Fearin,” she whispered again, stepping closer to his bed. “Are you awake?”

This time, she saw him shift slightly before his deep voice broke the silence. “Kira?” His tone was groggy, but there was an edge of surprise.

“I’m sorry to wake you,” she began, her voice trembling. “It’s just… the storm. I—I’m scared.”

Fearin sat up, his silhouette more visible now in the faint light from outside. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at her, clearly caught off guard. “The storm?”

Kira nodded, feeling embarrassed but too frightened to care. “I know it sounds silly, but… can I stay here? Just until it passes.”

He didn’t answer right away, but after a moment, he shifted to the side, making space on the bed. “Come on,” he said, his voice softer now, though still a bit gruff.

Relieved, Kira didn’t hesitate. She climbed onto the bed, her heart still racing from the storm outside. She lay down beside him, keeping some distance at first, but as another rumble of thunder echoed through the room, she instinctively moved closer, seeking comfort in his presence.

To her surprise, Fearin wrapped an arm around her, pulling her gently against his chest. The warmth of his body immediately soothed her nerves. She rested her head against his shoulder, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

“Better?” he asked quietly, his voice closer now.

She nodded, feeling a strange sense of peace wash over her. “Yeah… much better. Thank you.”

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Kira closed her eyes, the sound of the storm fading as she focused on the warmth of Fearin beside her. His touch was surprisingly gentle, and she felt a comfort she hadn’t expected.

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Fearin's Perspective

Fearin lay still, his arm wrapped around Kira as she curled into him. He hadn’t expected her to come to him, but when she had knocked on his door, something inside him had shifted. He had seen the fear in her eyes, and for the first time in a long while, he felt the urge to protect someone other than himself.

He had always prided himself on keeping a distance, on maintaining control. But tonight, as Kira pressed closer to him, seeking comfort, he found it hard to push her away. Her vulnerability softened something in him, and though he wasn’t used to it, he allowed himself to just be there for her.