Shin Kuroi [Comfort Writing]

Deep Conversation

Falling down with a cold was never fun. The morning was an absolute slog, and you were unable to even get out of bed. Shin was struck with concern and brought comorting commodities - warm herbal tea and leftover croissants. The feline pranced about the house anxiously for a brief while, but ultimately found himself out of ideas on what to do for your comfort.

Shin sat on a chair by the lush bed, staring blankly. A dull moment dragged by before a knock on the bedroom door startled the both of you. A familiar voice muffled through the door.

"Shin-san, may I enter?"

Shin let off a light sigh.

"...Yes, of course, Amaki."

The door opened, and into the room came the refined butler. Proper attire worn with model-like percision, low glasses fixed infront of gentle blue eyes. Though the white cat wasn't related to Shin, his very aura made him more like family than Shin's aloof never-seen parents.

"Shin-san, you shouldn't worry yourself. You can't cure the common cold, you know." The butler held a smile on his face, poking at Shin.

"Ugh... I know, I know... I just... don't like seeing him this way. I wish there was more I could do..." Shin huffed and slumped in his seat, looking right at you.

You gave a soft smile in return to the stare to try and make Shin lose some stress, and sat up in the bed - back against the lush pillows. Now, at least, you were more 'alive'.

"Hmm... well, why not just give him some company today? Talk, read, do what you'd like to together in here. I'll take care of all the chores today, Shin."

Shin scratched the back of his neck and sank into his chair for a moment.

"But I like doing chores for myself..."

"Yes, yes, I'm aware. But Shin-san, you ought to have a day off every once in awhile. Take care of your special little Terra, okay?" Amaki briskly left the room, and a faint, delicate chuckle flowed from under his breath.

Shin reclined intensely in his chair, staring at the ceiling. The silence was soon broken as Shin retracted from his glare and stood from the chair. He lifted it up and brought it before your bedside and sat, closing the distance to make the day intimate.

"...so. Terra. What do you want to do?" Shin flung the question lightly. The cat seemed a bit on-edge, not used to social improvisation.

"...how about we just talk?" You flung a random suggestion.

"...well, about what?" Shin smirked, comforted by mutual awkwardness.

"Oh, maybe... uh... hmm.... wait. You're part Swedish, right?" The flame of an idea tickled your brain.

"Yes, and what about it...?" Shin's head tilted.

"Well, have you ever been to Sweden? What was it like?" Oh boy, finally. A topic.

Shin clasped his hands and reclined comfortably in his chair, diverting his view up a bit. Fond memories seemed to flood his head - a gentle smile formed. Soon enough Shin settled from spacing into his memories and spoke.

"Heheh~... yes, I've been to Sweden. Most recently, actually - about a year and a half ago, I think. I spent about a week in Stockholm, living around with expenses paid by my parents..."

A pause.

"...though, they weren't around; they were busy at their company HQ. Tech is quite the booming industry in Sweden, but... I do wish my parents weren't so busy..." Shin let out a soft sigh.

Shin's talking paused as he pondered on his constantly-absent parents. His head tilted down quietly. The somber display tore up your heart, and on impulse you tried to re-invigorate the discussion.

"W-Well, did you still have a good time? Did you travel to the countryside? I've seen photos, the nature there is beautifu-"

Without warning, a gentle warmth pressed onto your forehead and retracted just as fast. The culprit was swift to return to position - but an earnest, soft smile dawned his face while his sparkling yellow eyes made contact with your own.

"...it's not as beautiful as you are, Terra."

Your face flushed pink. No words were able to escape your mouth, you felt stunned. Shin hadn't pulled off such a sly, flirty compliment before. But, it came from his heart. That soft, delicate heart that only wanted you to know you were loved.

"Whenever I get the chance to go there again, I'll make sure to bring you with me."

"Promise?"

Shin let out an amused sigh.

"Of course. I promise."

The ailment of a cold seemed to disappear as you conversed with Shin in the bedroom, hours flying by until the day came to a silent, cuddleful close.