SHARPER || Chishiya Alice in Boarderland

-48- babysitter?!

The door clicks softly shut behind us, muffling the noise of the city. Inside, everything feels too still. Goro trots ahead, nails tapping on the floor as he wanders toward his water bowl. Nio hangs up her keys and then just—stops.

For a long moment, neither of us says anything. The apartment smells faintly of cinnamon and laundry detergent, and somehow that makes it worse.

Then she turns to me and pulls me into a hug.

It's not one of those light, casual hugs she gives when we're joking around—it's tight, deliberate. The kind meant to keep you from falling apart.

I let her. I even let my hands rest on her back, but I keep my face turned, eyes fixed on the dull gleam of the kitchen tiles. "I'm fine," I whisper, even though my voice cracks halfway through.

Nio doesn't move, just tightens her grip a little. "No, you're not."

"I will be."

"I know," she says quietly. "But not right now. And that's okay."

My throat burns. I hate that she's right. I hate that she can see straight through me when I'm trying so hard to look strong.

When she finally lets go, she studies me for a second—really looks at me—then gives a small, tired smile. "Come on," she says softly. "Let's sit before I start crying again and ruin my mascara."

I snort, grateful for the distraction. "You're already halfway there."

"Shut up."

We both laugh weakly and sink onto the couch. The cushions dip under our weight, familiar and safe. Goro jumps up between us like a referee, laying his head on my thigh. His warmth anchors me. For a few quiet seconds, all we hear is the faint hum of the fridge and Goro's sleepy huffing. Then my phone buzzes on the coffee table.
And so does Nio's.
We glance at each other.

"Bet it's him," she says.

I reach for it, swipe open the screen, and sure enough—our group chat lights up with a message.

Kenji🩵
They've been driving in silence for ten minutes. Forty. Minutes.

I can almost hear his dramatic sigh through the text. Another message pops up immediately.

Kenji🩵
Mom keeps sniffing. Dad keeps pretending the GPS is the most fascinating thing ever.

A laugh slips out before I can stop it. "He's already suffering."

"Poor kid," Nio says, checking her phone too. "Oh my god, he just sent a photo."

I lean over to look. The picture's blurry, taken from the backseat: his mom staring out the window with a tissue in hand, his dad gripping the steering wheel like it might fly away. No music. No radio. Just awkward, tragic silence.

Kenji🩵
Someone save me.

I burst out laughing this time, covering my mouth with my hand. The ache in my chest doesn't disappear—but for a moment, it loosens.

Nio types back quickly.
Soulsister🤞🏼🩷
You'll survive, soldier. Two weeks, and we're coming to rescue you.

He replies instantly.

Kenji🩵
You promise?

Me
Cross our hearts.

Kenji🩵
Okay. Then I'll hold you to it.

Kenji🩵
Also, tell Goro I love him.

Nio grins. "Typical."

I scratch Goro's ears, murmuring, "Kenji says he loves you."