Chapter 35: — "Couch, Cocoa, and Crush"

The evening settled softly outside the window, the sky shifting from deep purples to star-speckled navy. The living room was warm, bathed in the soft glow of the overhead light. The aroma of freshly popped popcorn filled the air, and the big bowl sat proudly on the coffee table. Riku had just finished setting it up, motioning for Mika to sit.

“Sit down, Mika,” he said calmly, trying to sound casual. “Pick the movie. I’ll make sure the popcorn doesn’t burn.”

Mika froze for a moment, clutching a pillow to her chest. Her heart was hammering inside her ribcage. Finally… finally, a movie night with Riku! All to myself!

“I… I’ll pick! Just… just give me a second,” she stammered, practically bouncing on the couch cushion.

Riku smirked faintly, leaning against the armrest. “Relax. It’s just a movie. Not like it’s some life-or-death thing.”

Not life-or-death? Easy for you to say! Mika thought, biting her lip. She opened the laptop and scrolled furiously through the streaming options. Comedies, action, romance, she wanted to pick something fun but subtle. No, no, I can’t seem too obvious. Totally normal. Totally normal.

“Uh… maybe a comedy?” she said finally, voice trembling slightly.

“Comedy, huh?” Riku raised an eyebrow. “Alright. As long as it’s not too cheesy.”

Mika internally groaned. Cheesy? Seriously? You laughed at every joke in that anime the other day! Why care now?

She clicked through the comedy section, mumbling under her breath about which movie would be funny but not ridiculous. Riku reached over to toss a piece of popcorn into his mouth, watching her fidget.

“You know,” he said, smirking, “you don’t have to overthink it. Pick anything you want. I’m easy.”

Mika’s hands froze. Easy? That’s it? Just pick? I can’t! She scrolled faster, blushing slightly. Every time she glanced at him, he seemed… calm, almost too calm. What if I pick the wrong one? Will he hate me? Will he laugh at me?

“You’re taking forever,” Riku muttered, raising an eyebrow. “Just pick something. Or I’ll pick for both of us.”

H-huh? He’ll pick for us? No, I can’t let that happen! Mika’s fingers hovered over a rom-com title. “Okay! This one! Comedy with… uh… some action. Definitely funny!”

Riku shrugged and leaned back. “Fine. As long as it doesn’t make my brain hurt, I’m good.”

The film began, colorful opening credits rolling across the screen. Mika tried to act calm, nibbling popcorn like nothing was happening, but inside her brain was screaming. I’m sitting next to Riku. My crush. Next to me. For hours. My life is over… but also amazing!

She stole quick glances at him. He was relaxed, completely focused on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat every time he laughed. She wanted to lean closer, rest her head on his shoulder, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“Not even paying attention, huh?” Riku muttered quietly.

“I-I am! Totally!” Mika said, shoving popcorn in her mouth to avoid eye contact.

Riku smirked knowingly but said nothing more, turning his focus back to the movie.

A particularly silly scene made Riku burst into laughter, his head tilting back as he clutched the popcorn bowl. Mika laughed along, though not at the movie itself—she was secretly giggling at how carefree he looked.

“Ha! Look at him!” Mika whispered under her breath as the main character tripped over a banana peel.

“You talking to yourself again?” Riku asked, peeking at her side.

“I... uh... no!” Mika stammered, shoving more popcorn into her mouth. Her ears heated. Why did I even answer?

Riku chuckled. “You’re too easy to read, you know that?”

She glared, hiding her blush behind a pillow.

Halfway through, a loud crash startled both of them. The popcorn bowl had tipped slightly, scattering kernels across the couch. Mika jumped forward to catch some, spilling a few on herself in the process.

“Ah! My popcorn!” she squealed.

Riku’s expression was priceless. “You’re dramatic for someone who yells at me over games all the time.”

“It’s sacred!” she snapped, brushing off stray kernels.

Riku laughed, shaking his head. “Fine, fine. I’ll treat popcorn like a national treasure next time.”

A tender moment hit during a cute scene. Mika flinched as her arm brushed against Riku’s. Her entire body stiffened. Oh no… did he notice? Don’t notice. Don’t notice!

Riku glanced down at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You okay?”

“I… I’m fine!” she squeaked, clutching the pillow tighter.

He smirked again but didn’t press. Instead, he grabbed a kernel and tossed it into his mouth like a pro. Mika’s jaw dropped. Even popcorn looks cool in his mouth?!

The final scenes were lighthearted romance. Mika’s heart was hammering. She accidentally leaned a little closer, head brushing against his arm. She froze, her face burning.

Riku noticed but didn’t pull away. Instead, he leaned back slightly, letting her rest there. His subtle warmth sent Mika into a tizzy. I’m actually sitting on his arm… my crush’s arm… oh no, oh no, oh no!

Akari, sitting quietly in the corner, watched the two of them with a smirk. “Softies,” she muttered under her breath, eyes narrowing slightly. She didn’t comment further, letting the scene play out.

Riku gave her a sidelong glance. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” Akari whispered, trying to suppress a grin.

As the credits rolled, Mika had unconsciously scooted even closer, her head now lightly resting on Riku’s shoulder. Riku stiffened initially, then relaxed, letting her stay.

“You’re heavy,” he whispered softly, teasing but with warmth.

“I… I’m fine…” Mika mumbled, snuggling closer.

Riku glanced at her, sighing. “You fell asleep?”

Mika mumbled unintelligibly, clutching the pillow.

Riku reached for the blanket, draping it carefully over her shoulders. The warmth made her sigh softly, content for the first time all day.

Outside, the night deepened. Inside, the living room was calm, warm, and safe. For this one evening, nothing else mattered.

Mika slept lightly, head on Riku’s shoulder, while he watched her with a quiet, small smile. She looks peaceful… maybe too peaceful, he thought. He shook his head softly, closing his eyes.