That Night - Shin Soukoku

Chapter Three

Akutagawa POV

Damn Jinko. Why did he help me like that?

And why was I so okay with it?

I toss and turn for about an hour, not being able to sleep through my own thoughts. The events of tonight playing through my head.

"What's up with me? You just kissed me!"

Why did I do that? I feel like a terrible person. It wasn't just a kiss, it was a violation of trust.

Trust.

I get up, realizing I won't be going to sleep for a while, and head to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. 

I have a lamp on in my room at night, so its darker out here, so it takes a moment for my eyes to adjust. 

On my way to the kitchen, I see Atsushi laying on the couch. He looks so... peaceful. Like his guard had been let down for the first time in his life. 

Before I realize it, I'm walking over to the couch, where he is sleeping. 

Why did I tell him to sleep on the couch? 

I look down at him. He's laying on his back, my blanket pulled over his mouth. His eyes are shut, and most of his bangs are fallen to the side of his head, revealing his forehead. 

For some reason, I desperately want to kiss him on his forehead. Is this the first time I've seen it? I laugh to myself at the thought. 

"The only thing you could think of was to kiss me?"

His words repeat in my mind, reminding me of what I did. Over and over, like the constant ticking of a clock. 

Without thinking, I pull the blanket down below his chin, finding his mouth slightly open. I move a small strand of his bangs that hadn't yet fallen off his face. My hand then moves to his chin and I gently cup his cheek. 

What am I doing?

I stare at him for a few more minutes, admiring his features. How have I never noticed how gorgeous he is?

With the fabric of my shirt, I use Rashomon to gently pick him up, as to not wake him. Forgetting what I came out of my room for, I head back, holding Atsushi in the air. 

As I close the door, I put him down on my futon, still trying not to wake him. God, he's a deep sleeper. 

I lay down on my futon, on my side and facing his back. I pull a blanket up over the two of us. Even though I was tossing and turning earlier, I quickly fall asleep. 

(427 words)