Who Is She?

6. haruka and layka

"Haru, dear, you were late."

Haruka jumped at the sound of Layka's voice as she got in the apartment, her eyes flicking to the couch after a moment. She tried to regain the ability to speak.. "I fell asleep on the subway," She excused.

"I was worried sick.." Layka stood up, stepping closer and holding her hands out. She seemed like it, too, eyes heavy and dark. A fearful frown etched onto her face semi-permanently.

"I just fell asleep," Haruka said softly, quietly taking her girlfriend's hands in hers and squeezing them a little.

Layka's face seemed to sink. "You have not been sleeping." She said, looking down at Haruka and pulling a hand away to brush some hair away from her face.

"I haven't been tired." Haruka lied. It was more like a half lie, she thought, reassuring herself. She had been so tired.. but it never was enough to make her want to close her eyes.

Layka sighed, wrapping her arms around Haruka and pulling her close. "I hear that excuse each night before bed." She said. "Each night, it is a 'I'm not tired' or a 'I'll be in later'.."

"Yeah.." Haruka mumbled, the guilt getting to her as she wrapped her arms around Layka's waist. "I'm sorry about that. I guess I just drink too much caffeine." She lied again.

"You leave the apartment at times."

"Because I like it better outside.." Haruka said, looking up at Layka and brushing some hair away from her face. She pulled down her mask, kissing Layka's lips softly and pulling away after a second or two. "I'm okay."

"It is not safe.." Layka murmured, taking a moment to think. She closed her eyes. "Where do you go?"

"..I walk around the city. Sometimes I end up in central park.." Haruka hesitantly explained. "But it's the only way that I can come back and sleep."

"..Haruka, darling.."

"Layka." Haruka cupped her face, sighing softly. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I just need some time to adjust.."

Layka sighed again, a huge weight on her shoulders. They hardly spent very much time together.. both of them had to work quite a lot. "Of course, Haruka." She murmured, taking her hand and kissing the back of it, over her knuckles. "As long as you are safe.."

"I know. I love you, Layka.."

"And I love you, Haruka."