The night was calm at Kenta's house. Shiori sat in the living room, waiting for Yuzuru to return. Kaito was fast asleep in their shared room, and while a contented smile lingered on her face, a faint unease flickered in her heart.
The front door creaked open, and Yuzuru stepped inside. Shiori quickly rose, ready to greet him. But as she moved toward the door, her eyes caught sight of someone else standing in the living room-a presence she hadn't anticipated.
Shiori froze, her tone laced with surprise and a tinge of tension. "Akarin? Why... why are you here?"
Akarin stood awkwardly near the doorway, her expression a mix of nervousness and forced warmth. "Hi, Shiori," she said, her voice carefully measured. "I... I'm going to stay here for a while. Kenta and Miyu invited me to move in with them."
Shiori's breath hitched, her mind grappling with the unexpected revelation. For a brief moment, her face betrayed her shock before she forced herself to maintain a calm exterior. Yet, the stiffness in her posture gave away her true feelings.
"Oh... I see," Shiori replied, her voice cold and strained. "I didn't know."
Just then, Yuzuru, having just entered, noticed the tension simmering in the room. His brows furrowed in mild confusion as he glanced between Shiori and Akarin.
Trying to ease the atmosphere, Yuzuru smiled and said, "Akarin's staying here for a little while, Shiori. Kenta and Miyu thought it would be nice to have her around, especially with the baby due, Shiori. She can help out."
Shiori nodded slowly, but her gaze remained locked on Akarin, sharp and unyielding. Beneath her silence, a flicker of anger began to brew. Without uttering another word, she turned and headed toward their room, her face clouded with an intensity she couldn't hide.
Closing the door softly behind her, Shiori leaned against it, her jaw clenched and her thoughts spiraling. Why does Akarin have to stay here? What's really going on between the two of them?
Out in the living room, Yuzuru, unaware of Shiori's growing resentment, continued chatting with Akarin. He offered her a kind smile as he settled into the couch.
"How are you holding up?" he asked gently. "I hope you're not feeling too uneasy about staying here."
Akarin gave a small nod, but her eyes darted briefly toward the closed door, her unease evident. "I'm fine," she said hesitantly, her voice quieter now. "But... I think Shiori might not be too thrilled about me being here."
Yuzuru chuckled softly, dismissing her concern. "She's just surprised, that's all. Don't worry about it. She'll come around."
Despite his reassurances, Akarin's apprehension lingered. Meanwhile, in the confines of their room, Shiori sat on the edge of the bed, her mind swirling with questions and doubts she couldn't shake.
The night was quiet. Shiori lay on the bed, pretending to sleep, with Kaito peacefully nestled beside her. The soft glow of the dim bedroom light added to the calm of the night, but Shiori's restless eyes betrayed her feigned slumber. Her thoughts lingered on the unwelcome presence of Akarin in Kenta's home.
The door creaked open, and Yuzuru stepped in after his shower, his hair still damp and his scent fresh. He crossed the room silently, slipping under the covers beside Kaito. His eyes settled on Shiori's still figure, sensing the tension in the air.
"Shiori..." he called softly, shifting onto his side to face her. His voice was gentle, almost hesitant. "You're upset about Akarin staying here, aren't you?"
Shiori remained silent, her breathing deliberately even, maintaining the illusion of sleep. Yuzuru frowned slightly but didn't give up. He leaned closer, lowering his voice into a soft whisper near her ear.
"I know you don't like her being here," he murmured, his tone soothing. "But it's only temporary. It won't last long. And no matter what, you're still the most important person to me, Shiori."
Biting her lip, Shiori tried to suppress the mix of emotions swirling inside her. She stayed silent, unwilling to let him see how deeply his words had moved her. Yuzuru, however, smiled faintly, as if sensing her inner struggle. He decided to lighten the mood, his voice turning playful.
"Even when you're mad," he whispered, "you're still so beautiful. Honestly, you're mesmerizing when you're upset. I'm so lucky to have you in my life."
Shiori's eyelids fluttered slightly before she opened her eyes, just enough to catch his gaze. Her expression softened, though a trace of tension remained. She looked at him with a mix of vulnerability and resolve.
"I'm not angry," she said quietly, her tone steady but edged with emotion. "I'm just... confused. Why does she have to stay here, Yuzuru? And why now?"
Yuzuru sighed, the weight of her feelings pressing on him. He reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers gently as he spoke with earnestness.
"I know this is hard for you, Shiori," he said, his voice tender. "But nothing has changed between us. I'm still here. It's always you. Only you."
Shiori held his gaze, her lips parting slightly as she inhaled a shaky breath. His words began to chip away at the unease in her heart. She exhaled, her voice softer this time but still tinged with hurt.
"I just don't want... us to feel distant," she admitted, her eyes glistening. "I don't want anything or anyone to come between us."
Yuzuru smiled gently, cupping her cheek with his hand. His touch was warm, reassuring. "Nothing and no one will ever come between us," he promised, his voice firm yet tender. "It's you and me, Shiori. Always."
For a moment, Shiori let his words sink in. Her walls began to lower as her heart found solace in his sincerity. Though doubt still lingered faintly in the corners of her mind, she felt a sense of calm she hadn't expected.
Their eyes locked in the soft light of the room, the silence between them heavy with unspoken understanding. In that quiet connection, Shiori allowed herself to trust in Yuzuru's words, even if only for tonight.