Chapter 3: The Fear That Wanes Not - Part 1

Chapter 3: The Fear That Wanes Not - Part 1

✿———✦———✿

"With the dawn, the sun doth rise, casting golden light upon the world, chasing the shadows of night."

I, Minato Kazuaki, made a most foolish decision yesternight. My body now suffers for it, yet what choice had I? I find no room for complaint. There was no way I could allow Chinatsu to suffer the discomfort of sleeping elsewhere.

This morn, ere I began to prepare the day’s first meal, I took a moment to tend to the ornamental plants within my abode and upon the balcony. The care of these green companions doth soothe me; I am ever fond of the vibrant green greeting me at dawn, as though they too shared in the morning’s renewed vigor.

These plants, with their fresh verdant leaves and sturdy stems, bestow upon my life a sense of peace and color—much needed amidst the dull monotony of my days. Upon the table near yon window, I have gathered a fine collection: small cacti, a well-kept snake plant, and a few pots of herbs I have nurtured myself—mint, rosemary, and basil, whose aroma doth refresh the air whenever I water them. And in smaller pots, I have sunflowers, tiny ferns, and several hanging plants newly acquired but yestermorn.

With watering can in hand, I attend each plant, gently pouring water while observing their leaves, which grow ever greener and more full of life. Upon the balcony, I water my orchids, which now show buds of new blossoms. There is a rare satisfaction in beholding their growth—a meaning richer, somehow, than many other pursuits. Mayhap, amidst the haste of daily life, to witness something grow slowly, unhurried as these plants, bringeth a balm to my spirit.

Some of those upon the balcony now flourish, lending their beauty to that small corner. With care, I pour water gently into each pot, ensuring the soil be well moistened. From time to time, I find myself smiling, watching their leaves as though they had grown faster than I could reckon. Indeed, the morn is the finest hour to water them, basking in the gentle rays of the rising sun.

Once the plants were tended, I turned to my duties in the kitchen, though my body felt as if bound by lead. My eyes were heavy—I can hardly deny it—and my hand trembled slightly as I stirred the eggs in the pan. That sofa… it could scarcely be called a bed by any reasonable standard.

As I cooked, my gaze wandered to the window, where the first light of morning began to edge into the sky. My thoughts drifted back to the events of last night, my choice to take the sofa in order that Chinatsu-san might sleep undisturbed.

I muttered to myself, “This morning shall fare better.” Yet in truth, I knew that was mere wishful thinking, for my body still protested with fatigue.

I cast a glance toward the bedroom door—it remained shut. Chinatsu was doubtless still resting. I steeled myself for the conversation to come, for she would likely notice my tired expression and, knowing her, insist that I speak the truth. Since childhood, I have borne an inexplicable fear of shadows and strange sounds—such nonsense for a man of my age, I am aware, yet she would see right through me if I attempted to lie.

“Were I truly the ‘Moon God,’ then perhaps I’d possess the strength to forgo sleep altogether.”

The eggs finished cooking, and I placed them neatly on a plate with rice and toast. I admit, it lacks Chinatsu’s touch.

Not long after, the door to the bedroom opened, and Chinatsu stepped out. She looked slightly weary herself, though a warm smile lit her face as the scent of breakfast reached her.

“Morning, Chinatsu-san,” I greeted, making an effort to sound as though I were entirely well-rested.

“Mornin’, Kazu-kun,” she replied, seating herself and eyeing the meal I’d prepared. “You look exhausted. Couldn’t get any sleep?”

I attempted a small laugh, though it likely sounded forced. “Ah… yes. It was bearable. The sofa is… adequate.”

She looked at me, eyebrow raised, with that familiar gaze of hers—the very same from years past, a gaze that saw through all pretense. “Kazu, I know you too well. You’ve never slept easily in strange places, especially not alone. Were you scared?”

My face warmed involuntarily. “Not in the slightest. I simply require time to acclimate, that is all,” I replied, offering what I hoped was a convincing smile. “Think of it as a manner of training myself out of such childish fears.”

Chinatsu laughed lightly, then softened her gaze, one of genuine care. “Alright, but don’t push yourself too hard, okay? If you need anything, just let me know.”

I nodded, endeavoring to reassure her, though I knew all too well that her insight had not diminished over the years. Last night had indeed been… taxing. Each shadow, every creak, seemed determined to summon forth my deepest anxieties.

Nevertheless, she offered a warm smile. “By the way, Kazu-kun, this breakfast looks pretty nice.”

“Well, it is a modest attempt,” I replied with an awkward chuckle, “Do not expect a masterful dish.”

After we finished eating, I prepared myself for work. Chinatsu likewise readied herself for her duties at the café. Before leaving, I handed her a spare key.

"This… is in case thou returnest early, or needest to enter for any reason."

She looked at the key thoughtfully before taking it. “Thanks, Kazu-kun.”

“Allow me to drive thee this morning. The café lies upon my route.”

She nodded gratefully, and together, we departed. There was a companionable silence as I drove, though I confess my thoughts were somewhat occupied by our unusual situation. It was both familiar and strange to be so near Chinatsu-san once more.

After I left her at the café, I proceeded to the office, where the day passed swiftly in a flurry of tasks. Yet, despite the work, my mind often returned to her. I wondered how she fared and whether she was truly at ease.

✿———✦———✿

When I returned that evening, the apartment possessed a warmth that was not present before. The gentle glow of the lights cast a peaceful ambiance. The scent of a freshly cooked meal lingered in the air, stirring my hunger.

In the living room, Chinatsu was seated upon the sofa, engrossed in a cosmology book. She rested comfortably, her expression serene under the soft light, as if she had finally found a measure of peace.

“Ah, you’re home earlier than I expected,” I said, setting my bag down.

She looked up and smiled. “I finished work a bit early. Your breakfast was fine, but I figured I’d prepare somethin’ a little better for dinner.”

Was that a subtle comment on my cooking?

“Thanks! This hath to be far better than the simple fare I prepared this morn,” quoth I with a light-hearted chuckle.

Chinatsu rose and made her way to the kitchen, deftly tying her hair back with a smooth motion. “I just had some time to kill, so I thought, why not whip up somethin’ nice?” she replied, reaching for ingredients in the fridge.

I followed her into the kitchen, my curiosity piqued as to what she intended to create. With confidence, Chinatsu took forth the ingredients, skillfully chopping meat and vegetables at a steady, measured pace, before tossing minced garlic into a hot pan. The fragrant aroma of her stir-fry began to fill the air, setting my stomach to rumble anew.

“What ‘cha lookin’ at?” she asked with a playful smile, her eyes focused on the vibrant vegetables she stirred.

I snapped back to reality, a sheepish grin forming upon my lips. “Oh, naught, merely awed. Thou dost look... like a true master of the culinary arts.”

She laughed lightly, her movements graceful as she mixed the ingredients. “Well, you remember, right? I used to help my mom in the kitchen a lot. If I wasn't at least decent, I'd get lectured all day.”

I nodded, observing her deft hands work in perfect rhythm, transitioning smoothly from one task to the next, as if in concert with some unseen melody.

“Try the sauce,” she commanded, offering me a spoon.

As I sampled the sauce, a symphony of flavors danced upon my tongue—savory, sweet, with a whisper of spice at the finish. “By the heavens, this is exquisite, Chinatsu-san! Thou truly knowest how to meld flavors to perfection.”

Her eyes sparkled with pride, wiping her hands on her apron. “Of course. If you want, I can teach you how to make a sauce like this later.”

“Verily, but thou must be patient with my humble skills, for they are not of thy caliber,” I replied, attempting a jest.

With a bright laugh, she continued her culinary endeavor. Soon, she set the table, each dish a feast for the eyes, with colors that sang of appetizing delights.

“Well, it's done! Please give it a try, Chef Minato,” she jested, removing her apron and taking her seat across from me.

I lifted my chopsticks, my first bite revealing the richness of her cooking—the meat tender, the seasoning deep and enveloping, the vegetables crisp yet yielding.

“This... this is most splendid. Thy prowess in the kitchen is unmatched, Chinatsu-san.”

Her smile blossomed, a mix of satisfaction and modesty. "Thank you. Next time, we can cook together; who knows, you might have a hidden talent."

I chuckled softly, feeling slightly teased but thoroughly impressed. She was akin to a true master in the kitchen, and I began to ponder that perhaps she truly possessed unmatched abilities in this realm.

As we commenced our meal, from the very first bite, I could discern the perfect balance of flavors—the meat was tender, the seasoning deeply infused, and the vegetables fresh with just the right texture. Without awareness, I found my feet gently tapping against the floor, so captivated was I by the flavor of this dish.

Chinatsu cast a glance my way, a playful smile upon her face, seemingly noting my reaction. "Wow, is it that good?" she grinned, stifling a laugh.

I jolted and straightened my posture, feeling a bit embarrassed by my overreaction. "I-I mean, this is... far too good, thus I... reflexively." I scratched the back of my neck, endeavoring to mask my flushed visage.

She merely chuckled softly, resuming her meal with calmness. "I didn't expect you to react like that. Guess I should cook like this more often, huh?"

I gazed at her, still slightly red. "If thou cookest like this each day, I may begin to forget myself more often," I replied with a soft laugh.

Chinatsu smiled triumphantly. "So, when are you goin’ to learn to cook for real?"

I laughed again, returning my focus to my meal. Yet deep within, I recognized that moments such as this, dining together, were something I had begun to quietly long for daily.

✿———✦———✿

After the meal, we engaged in conversation about our day. Chinatsu recounted tales of various patrons at the café and how they always sought her recommendations for drinks. She mimicked the voice of one particularly enthusiastic customer, causing me to laugh heartily.

"So, they wanted a cup of cappuccino with caramel syrup and whipped cream, but also wanted it to taste light," she recounted, narrowing her eyes as if attempting to mimic her perplexed expression.

"I dare say, thou didst explain to them that such a combination is nigh impossible, didst thou not?" I inquired, smiling as I relished her story.

"Yeah, I told ‘em they could pick one or the other. A café isn't a place for improvisation!" Chinatsu laughed freely, her eyes sparkling. The atmosphere within the apartment grew warmer, our laughter intertwining, crafting delightful moments between us.

However, after a time, she resolved to retire early. "I have to get up early tomorrow to prepare some ingredients for the café," she said, yawning. "I hope I'm not too tired."

"I can assist thee if needed," I offered.

"Thanks, Kazu-kun. I appreciate it, but you have to work, you know," she replied before making her way to the chamber. She vanished behind the door, and I felt the loneliness once more envelop the apartment.

As on the night prior, I returned to my place upon the sofa. Though I knew what would transpire, I remained restless. This chamber felt too vast and too silent in the dark; shadows upon the walls appeared to dance, and my heart raced at the slightest sound. More than that, my thoughts were ensnared in the strange shadows that might lurk in this darkness. I gazed toward the window, observing the full moon shining brightly outside, yet that light could not dispel my fears.

✿———✦———✿

Several hours passed, and I remained awake. Cold sweat began to trickle down my temples. I truly could not find rest. My thoughts raced, envisioning oddities that might hide within the darkness of the night. For some reason, this night felt more fearsome than usual. Was it the solitude that filled this apartment?

"I must needs visit the privy," I murmured softly, endeavoring to cast aside my trepidation. I rose from the sofa, cautiously making my way to the door at the far end of the room. The sound of my footfalls echoed in the stillness, heightening my unease. Until this moment, I had never felt such fear in this very apartment.

As I approached the door, my thoughts drifted to Chinatsu. She was the one who brought life to this place. Without her, this apartment was merely an empty chamber. In the midst of my fears, I felt as though no one could shield me from the encroaching darkness of the night.

Yet just as I reached for the doorknob, the door to her chamber abruptly swung open.

"AAAH!"

I jumped in shock, nearly stumbling backward. And there stood Chinatsu, her face obscured by a peculiar white mask. My gaze instantly fixated upon her unusual visage, and I retreated a step, my heart nearly leaping from my chest.

"W-Who art thou? Avaunt and quit my sight!" I struggled to regain my composure, but the sight of her masked face truly sent me into a panic. This moment felt as if it were unfolding in slow motion, and I felt ensnared in some bizarre horror tale.

She let out a small laugh, attempting to contain her amusement. "Sorry, Kazu-kun. I just went to get some water."

"Huh? Oh... dear," I replied, taking a deep breath. "I-I thought… good heavens, Chinatsu-san..."

"Hehe... sorry about that? she continued to grin widely from behind her mask, which only amplified the oddness of the moment. As she stepped closer, her foot suddenly slipped.

"Chinatsu-san!"

I reflexively reached out to catch her, but alas, we lost our balance. Her body fell directly atop mine, and we both tumbled to the floor. We lay there, momentarily stunned, as I held my breath while she quickly regained her composure.