Yuuto stretched his legs out on the couch, sinking into its familiar softness as the late afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting warm golden hues across the room.
The gentle hum of the ceiling fan mixed with the distant murmur of city life, creating a quiet sanctuary from the bustling world outside.
His phone buzzed, lighting up with a message notification.
Rika: "Have you guys finished the summer holiday homework yet?"
He opened the group chat. The others chimed in quickly.
Ren: "Yeah, I've got just a little left."
Hikari: "Oh shit, I totally forgot about it!"
Yuuto smirked to himself and typed back casually.
Yuuto: "I finished mine already."
Hikari's reply came almost immediately.
Hikari: "Yuuto, please help me! I have to finish this or the teacher's going to punish me!"
Yuuto raised an eyebrow and typed back a denial.
Yuuto: "I'm not your tutor."
But the flood of pleading messages from Hikari—and teasing ones from Rika and Ren—was relentless.
Rika: "Come on, Yuuto! You're always so smart. Help us out."
Ren: "Yeah, dude. Don't be stingy."
After a few moments of resistance, Yuuto sighed and relented.
Yuuto: "Fine. Where do you want to do it?"
Hikari: "At your place."
Rika: "I'm in."
Ren: "Me too."
Yuuto typed back a thumbs-up emoji. A few minutes later, there was a knock at his door.
The door swung open to reveal Rika, Ren, and Hikari standing in the hallway, backpacks slung over their shoulders.
"Whoa," Rika breathed, stepping inside and looking around wide-eyed. "Your apartment is huge. And fancy!"
Hikari's eyes sparkled as she wandered further in. "I only ever saw it from the outside, but inside…it's way nicer than I expected."
Ren nodded approvingly. "This place is way cooler than mine."
Yuuto shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's just where I live."
Rika cocked her head and asked softly, "Where are your parents?"
Yuuto's expression grew neutral but calm. "I live alone. My mom and dad work overseas."
The three exchanged surprised glances.
"You live alone here? In this huge place?" Hikari whispered.
Yuuto gave a short nod. "Yeah. It's been like this for a while."
They settled down at the large dining table, books and notebooks spread out before them.
Yuuto watched as the three worked diligently on their homework.
The quiet scribbling of pencils and occasional sighs filled the room.
After a while, Yuuto disappeared into the kitchen. Moments later, he returned carrying a plate of cookies.
"Here," he said, setting them down. "I made these myself."
Hikari's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait…you made these?"
Yuuto's cheeks flushed a faint pink. "Yeah, I baked them last night."
Ren grabbed one quickly and took a bite. "Not bad, Yuuto. Not bad at all."
Rika grinned. "You're full of surprises."
The three of them munched happily as the homework continued.
After a while, Rika and Ren exchanged looks and stretched.
"We're done with our homework," Rika said, smirking. "See you later, you two. Don't overdo it," she teased as they headed for the door.
Ren laughed. "Yeah, don't get too cozy."
Yuuto's face turned red as he muttered, "Shut up."
Hikari giggled quietly and leaned closer to him. "You're blushing."
Once the others left, a comfortable silence filled the apartment. Yuuto and Hikari sat across from each other, neither sure what to say.
Suddenly, a sharp crack of thunder split the sky, shaking the windowpanes and making Hikari jump. Her hands flew to her mouth, stifling a small gasp. She glanced at Yuuto, eyes wide and vulnerable.
"You okay?" he asked, his voice low, noticing the way her shoulders tensed.
She nodded, but her fingers trembled slightly. "I hate storms," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
Without a word, Yuuto stood and pulled open the balcony door. The sudden rush of cool, rain-scented air filled the room. Outside, rain poured in thick sheets, glowing silver under the streetlights. The thunder rolled like a distant drum, shaking the earth itself.
"Come look," he said softly, stepping aside.
Hikari hesitated, then stepped onto the balcony, her presence close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her. They stood side by side, the silence between them heavy but comfortable. The storm raged, but here, together, it felt oddly safe.
A pause stretched. Then, almost shyly, Hikari spoke. "Can I stay here tonight? I… I can't go alone."
Yuuto's heart thudded painfully in his chest. Sleepovers weren't really his thing. But the look in her eyes—frightened, hopeful—was too sincere to ignore.
"Like… sleep here?" he asked, voice rougher than intended.
She nodded, cheeks tinged pink. "If that's okay."
He swallowed hard, trying to keep calm. "Okay. Yeah… you can stay."
Hikari pulled out her phone and dialed her mother.
"Hey, Mom," she said softly. "I'm staying at a friend's house tonight. Don't worry."
There was a pause as she listened.
"Yeah, it's Yuuto's place."
Another pause, then, "Okay. Love you too."
She hung up and looked at Yuuto, grateful for his kindness.
Later, Yuuto prepared a simple dinner—nothing fancy, but homemade and warm. They ate quietly, sharing small smiles and soft glances.
"You're a surprisingly good cook," Hikari said, biting into her rice ball.
Yuuto shrugged but looked pleased.
"Thanks," he murmured.
As bedtime approached, Yuuto yawned and stretched.
"I'll sleep on the couch," he said.
Hikari nodded. "I'll take the bedroom."
He watched her disappear down the hall and sighed softly.
But the storm wasn't done.
Suddenly, Yuuto felt a warmth pressing against his side. He blinked and turned to see Hikari clinging tightly to him on the couch, trembling.
"Hikari? What are you doing here?"
She looked up, cheeks flaming. "I'm scared. The thunder… can you sleep with me?"
Yuuto blinked in surprise and immediately said, "No. I can't."
But then her big, pleading eyes caught his attention. The way she looked at him was… different. Too cute to refuse.
He swallowed hard, trying to steady himself. "Okay. But no funny business."
Her smile was all the thanks he needed as she scooted closer, resting her head against his shoulder. The storm continued outside, but inside, a quiet calm settled over them, fragile and new.
The night stretched on with gentle breathing and quiet comfort.
Hikari slept soundly, finally safe from the storm.
Yuuto, however, lay awake, heart pounding with thoughts he couldn't voice.
The next morning, soft light spilled through the windows. Yuuto peeked at Hikari, still curled up beside him.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
Maybe… this sleepover wasn't such a bad idea after all.
To be continued...