Chapter 2: The Cruelest Season - Part 2

Chapter 2: The Cruelest Season - Part 2

✿———✦———✿

"The moon might be far away, but every time I look up, it feels like it’s right here beside me."

As we made our way through the city toward Kazuaki's apartment, everything felt surreal. The dim streetlights, the people passing by—everything created this strange, hollow atmosphere. It was like we were separated from the world, drifting in some empty space where only the two of us existed.

"Oh hey, this song... we used to listen to this a lot back then, huh? It's kinda nostalgic, right?" I said, breaking the heavy silence between us.

Kazuaki glanced at me. "Indeed, though this melody befits the summer far more."

I gave a faint smile, trying to seem strong even though my heart felt shattered. I began to softly hum along with the tune lingering in my mind. My voice wasn't perfect, but it was enough to fill the silence in the car. Kazuaki looked a bit awkward, unsure of what to do. He just kept his eyes on the road, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

"Sometimes, a song like this can make thangs feel a little lighter," I said, putting on a cheerful front even though inside, I felt anything but. I wanted to seem like I was handling everything just fine around him.

He nodded slightly, though his expression still seemed hesitant.

"Oh, by the way... is your apartment still far from here?"

"Nay, 'tis but a short distance ahead," he answered, his voice low and maybe even a little shy. I knew this was probably uncomfortable for him too. I never thought I'd be leaning on Kazuaki like this, especially after everything that had happened. But... there wasn't any other choice. Going back to my parents' place? No, that would just shock and hurt them.

A few minutes later, we reached his apartment building, a sleek, modern high-rise. He parked, then helped carry my refractor and bags inside. I followed as he led me confidently toward the elevator, while my mind drifted. What was going to happen from here? How would I keep going?

When we arrived at his door, Kazuaki unlocked it and gestured for me to enter.

"Sorry for the intrusion..." I muttered softly.

I was taken aback by how spacious his apartment was. The walls were pristine white, with large windows overlooking the city, and the minimalist furniture was arranged so neatly. But what struck me most was how empty it felt. No personal touches, no family photos—no sign that this place was truly lived in.

"My apologies if it seems a bit disheveled," he said, scratching his head, though the apartment was immaculate. "There's but one bedroom, though... thou art welcome to sleep therein. I shall take my rest upon the sofa in the living room."

I looked at him, feeling a wave of guilt. "Kazu-kun... I know it's a lot to ask. But... can I stay here, just for a little while? I don't know where else to go."

He looked back at me, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. But then, he offered a weak smile and nodded. "Of course. Thou may stay as long as thou needest. After all, when I was young, did I not oft rest at thy family's home?"

I chuckled a bit at the memory. It was true—how often little Kazuaki had stayed over at my family's place. When his parents were busy, our house became his safe haven. And now, somehow, the roles were reversed. I was the one in need of a safe place, and Kazuaki, whom I'd once cared for, was now the one helping me.

After we set down my things in the living room, I glanced around. "So... there's only one bedroom?" I asked softly, almost to myself.

He nodded, looking a bit awkward. "Indeed. Yet, I assure thee, 'tis spacious enough, though I regret it be bare. I shall make do upon the sofa, for I oft remain wakeful in toil."

I looked at the sofa. It seemed small and far from comfortable. "Kazu-kun, you can't sleep there. This is your place... you should sleep in your own bed."

"'Tis of no consequence, Chinatsu-san. I am accustomed to the sofa when I labor long into the night. Pray, do take thy rest within the chamber."

A heaviness settled in my chest. Everything about this felt strange. I was the older one, the one who should have been there for him, but now here I was, inconveniencing him. But honestly, I was too tired to argue any further. My body felt weak, like it could collapse at any moment.

"All right," I finally said. "But if you're uncomfortable, we can switch."

He simply nodded, offering a slight smile before heading to the kitchen to make tea. I sat down on the sofa, trying to calm the turmoil in my mind, but the uncertainty of the future kept crashing over me, like waves that never ceased.

A few moments later, Kazuaki returned with two cups of warm tea, and we sat together, chatting about trivial things—his work, and how his first days as CTO had been. He was trying so hard to make me feel better, even though I knew he was also burdened by this situation. It made me feel guilty, pulling him into the chaos of my life.

As the night grew later, we knew it was time to decide where we'd sleep. In the end, I chose to sleep in his room, though a strange unease still lingered. After cleaning up and changing into more comfortable clothes, I sat on his wide bed. This place felt foreign, but there was also an odd sense of security. Maybe it was because Kazuaki was close by, even if we were in separate rooms.

After a while, I heard the door creak open a bit. Kazuaki peeked in, his face looking tired but still attentive. "Shouldst thou require aught, do not hesitate to call upon me, okay?"

I nodded slightly. "Thank you, Kazu-kun..."

He nodded in return, then gently closed the door. Once the room was silent again, I lay down on the bed, staring up at the empty ceiling. It was hard to sleep; my mind was swirling with thoughts. But slowly, exhaustion started to take over, and eventually, I drifted off in a place that wasn't home, in a spring that felt more like farewell than renewal..