CotE: Dearest

Chapter 11 - The First Step

Arriving at my apartment, I kicked the door shut with a little more force than necessary, my bag slipping off my shoulder and landing in an unceremonious heap by the wall.

I didn't even bother with my shoes, half-heartedly toeing them off as I dashed to the bed and flopped face-first into the pillow, my arms wrapping tightly around it.

I flipped onto my back, hugging the pillow to my chest as I stared at the ceiling, my legs kicking softly at the air in helpless excitement.

"What just happened?" I whispered to no one, hiding my face behind the pillow again as if I could smother the fluttering in my chest.

I still can't believe it.

The memory played on a loop in my mind—his words, his embrace, his smile.

Every detail replayed with perfect clarity, each one making my pulse race faster than the last.

And then, all of a sudden, my phone buzzed.

I bolted upright, scrambling for it on the nightstand. The screen lit up with his name, and I froze briefly.

I took a deep breath and pressed to answer.

"Hello?"

"Did you arrive well, Yuki?"

"I did, but..."

"But?" he prompted gently.

I hesitated, my cheeks burning as I fidgeted with the corner of my pillow. "Say... is it bad that I miss you already?"

There was a beat of silence on his end, and I almost smacked my forehead, embarrassed by my own honesty.

"No, not really."

I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up.

"Well, then I miss you a lot!"

"Me too."

A smile stretched across my face, so wide it made my cheeks ache.

I flopped back onto the bed, clutching the phone to my ear as if it were a lifeline.

The minutes blurred into hours as we talked, his voice wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.

We spoke about everything and nothing—trivial stories, shared memories, and even comfortable silences that somehow felt as meaningful as words.

By the time we said our goodnights, my cheeks were sore from smiling, and my heart was still racing. I set the phone down, staring at the ceiling with a dreamy sigh.

I knew sleep wouldn't come easily tonight, but for once, I didn't mind.

𝕯𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖙

"What!?!"

Shiro's voice rang out across the courtyard, loud enough to turn a few heads. A group of students walking past paused mid-conversation, glancing at him before moving along.

He ran a hand through his hair, clearly trying to process what I'd just told him.

He seemed stunned after I told him that Yuki and I were officially dating.

"Weren't you the one who told me that I'll feel when the moment is right?"

"You're not wrong," he admitted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "but... that was... unexpected? I didn't think it would happen this soon."

I shrugged. "Well, it sort of just happened?"

Shiro's surprise melted into a broad grin. "Well, congratulations! It makes me proud, honestly. Good for you, man."