Chapter 46

Misaki lay in bed, everything replaying in her mind, as she listened to the house slowly grow quieter.

I wonder if they finally passed out.

Knock, knock.

Misaki answered her door in fuzzy pyjamas with polar bears all over them.

"Hey." Ren smiled at her. "Hope I didn't wake you."

"Nope, I was still awake. Is something wrong? Do you need blankets or—"

Ren held up his hand. "Nope; your mom already set us up with blankets and whatnot, and the others have passed out."

"Couldn't sleep?"

"You could say that. Can I come in?"

Misaki stepped back and opened her door wider without a second thought.

Ren's eyes swept across her room, taking in its cute but simple aesthetic, and refocused on her, swallowing hard. "I know it's probably too much to ask, but can I sleep in here? Promise I won't do anything, yet; I just want to be near you, especially when I wake up and need to affirm it wasn't a dream. I can even sleep on the floor if you're uncomfortable. I just want to be close."

Yet? Of course, it's only yet... Her cheeks heated. I don't know how my parents would react to finding him in here, but I know how Emi would. Misaki hesitated, her heart rate spiking as she stared into his hopeful eyes.

"I knew it." His shoulders slouched. "I'm asking for too much too soon..."

"It's not that." I know he wouldn't cross any lines unless I let him. "But my parents are here... and I don't know how they might take it." Oh no, not that look! The sad puppy dog eyes. Her heart wrenched.

"Oh..." He slowly turned around. "Guess I'll head back." He reached for the doorknob and felt a small tug on the back of his shirt.

"Wait..." Can't believe I'm going to suggest this. She took a deep breath. "Nothing can happen, but you can stay. And you'll have to answer them if they ask about it, and if you wake up early, maybe you can head downstairs then. My dad's a heavy sleeper, so he probably won't notice."

Ren's face lit up. "That was a yes, right?"

Misaki nodded.

"Thank you!" Ren picked her up in a hug and spun her around before dropping onto her bed with her.

"Oh!" Misaki laughed as she bounced beside him.

"Sorry, I got a bit excited." Ren laughed as they adjusted themselves properly with her plush bunny between them. He lay on his side, gazing at her lovingly as he rested his hand on her bunny in the middle. "Goodnight, Misa."

She gave him a soft smile. "Goodnight, Ren." Her hand moved up to meet his, her pinky finger looping around his.

He smiled and turned his hand to lace their fingers together before closing his eyes.

Misaki woke up the next morning encompassed in a comfortable warmth. It took a moment for her to realize an arm was wrapped around her waist from behind, and her eyes shot open.

Oh my gosh! She glanced down at Ren's arm, then back at him, still asleep, but squishing her bunny up against her. What time is it? She moved to look at the clock, and his grip around her waist tightened. "Ren," she whispered. "Wake up."

"No, too comfortable," he mumbled.

Hard to argue with that. "Ren, if you don't wake up, we might be found."

Ren grumbled and leaned in close, kissing the back of her head before pulling away from her. "Sorry, bunny," he mumbled and sat up. He yawned, stretching his arms out, and stood. "Geez, when's the last time I slept so well? Must be because you were there. Thanks, Misa. Time to sneak out."

Misaki held back her laugh as Ren took slow, careful steps to her door, hoping not to run into any squeaky spots, and listened through the door before opening it.

"Coast looks clear. I'll see you downstairs, Miss Polar Bears." He winked at her and left.

Polar... Oh! She glanced at her pyjamas and chuckled. Now that I think about it, he's right. I actually slept through the whole night!

Misaki changed into her normal hoodie along with a pair of jeans and headed downstairs.

The scent of herbs filled the air as pans clanged in the kitchen.

She peeked into the kitchen to find Shun cooking breakfast as Ren tried to sneak a biscuit cooling on the side. "You know you're a guest here, right?" Misaki asked, standing in the doorway.

"Yes, and we imposed on your family without prior notice, so this is the least I can do." Shun rolled another rice omelette and plated it. "Also made my recipe for hangovers." He gestured to the pitcher off to the side. "By the way, Ren, I noticed your extended absence last night."

Ren froze with a biscuit in his hand. "I was... around."

"I'm sure you were." Shun sighed. "Please pay attention to where you are so you don't get into trouble."

"We didn't do anything to get into trouble."

"Are you saying her parents would've been fine with it?"

"As long as they trusted nothing happened, yes."

Other than cuddling...

"Fine, we'll go with that." Shun cleared his throat. "So, have you decided if you're staying here or coming home with us?" Shun asked as he continued cooking.

"Uh..." Misaki froze.

"It's okay to go with them, honey," her mom said.

Misaki jumped as her mom came up behind her and stroked her back, giving her temple a kiss. "You were safe with them before, so I believe you'll be safe with them again. Of course, you're always welcome to stay here, but it's your choice."

A lot of choices to be made now. She watched Ren and Shun argue over the biscuit and smiled. "I think I know what I want to do."

"You're going home with them, aren't you?"

Misaki nodded. "How'd you know?"

"A mother can tell these things. We just want you happy and safe, and we know these boys will make sure of both."

"Breakfast is served," Shun called out.

After breakfast, Misaki packed her things.

Emi stood in her bedroom doorway, watching. "I'm going to miss you." Emi pouted, hugging her Misaki plushie.

"I'll miss you too, Emi, but this is a new beginning for me."

Emi narrowed her eyes and inched closer. "Feels like you have a plan past moving in."

"Because I do. I haven't figured out all the details, but I'm well on my way."

"Oh my gosh, does this mean what I think it does?!" Emi latched onto her arm.

"Probably."

"Yes!" Emi cheered. "I can't wait." She spun around. "Number one fan ready to go!"

Misaki chuckled. "Thanks, Emi."

"Of course." She saluted.

"Does that mean I'll have to settle for the number two fan slot?" Ren asked from the doorway.

"Yes," Emi said right away. "But there's nothing wrong with the second spot."

"Good to know. Ready?" Ren asked Misaki.

Misaki took a deep breath. "Ready."

Ren picked up her bags and held his hand out to her. She took his hand right away, and they headed downstairs where the others were waiting.

"Please visit more often." Her mom gave her a hug.

I probably will now.

"Don't worry, we will." Ren smiled at her and bowed. "Thank you for allowing us to stay over, and for approving of our relationship."

Shun stood beside him and bowed. "Thank you for tolerating Ren."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Ren nudged him with his elbow.

"As if you don't know wh— Oof!" Shun stumbled back a step as Emi lunged at him for a hug.

"I'm going to miss you guys so much. Especially you, Shun." Emi tightened her hug and rubbed her cheek against his chest.

Shun stood still for a moment, stunned, and lightly patted her back. "We'll miss you too, Emi. You're such a... bright light in our lives, which are now heavily intertwined."

"Really?" She pulled away enough to stare at him with stars in her eyes.

"I'm sorry about her." Her mother struggled to pull her away. "Leave him be," she hissed, and Emi let him go.

Before anyone could take a step, Emi hugged Misaki. "Call me more, Misa-nee," she whispered and stepped away. "Bye." She waved, tears in her eyes as they left.

After a long ride back, Misaki stood in front of the Hayase residence with the brothers. "Guess I'm home," she whispered.

"So glad you called it that." Ren kissed the back of her hand. "Means you can move the rest of your stuff in, right?"

"I suppose so." Not that I have a lot of things at home, but I'd have my own keyboard back.

Shun stood in front of her and gestured towards the house. "Well then, welcome home, Misa."