『Lina: Aah! Really? You didn't want me to know your name, why are you telling me now? 』
He asked quickly, still trying to process what she had just heard.
『Neizan: It's nothing in particular… But I think I can trust you now, that's why I told you. 』
Lina's blush deepened.
Unable to hold his gaze, she turned away, looking at anything but his eyes, searching for some escape point in the room.
The atmosphere had grown much more intimate than she had imagined.
『Neizan: I'm sorry, I know I can be hard to understand sometimes. 』
He said with a mix of self-criticism and understanding.
『Lina: Oh no… it's nothing like that, really. 』
She quickly replied, shaking her head as she still avoided his gaze, her voice sweet and trembling.
『Lina: Is something wrong? 』
She asked softly, her voice barely a whisper, afraid of breaking the fragile silence.
The boy, without taking his eyes off the stars, responded in a low voice, filled with a quiet sadness.
『Neizan: I'm sorry… could you leave my room for a moment, please. 』
He asked with a calmness that only made his internal conflict more evident.
Lina, puzzled, observed his profile.
Through the dim light, she noticed something that stopped her: a single tear silently sliding down one of Neizan's cheeks.
Without saying another word, the girl nodded and left the room, carrying with her a candle she held carefully.
Neizan closed his eyes and let the memories wrap around him, taking him back to a time when his life had been simpler, brighter. He recalled the happy moments he shared with his mother: her laughter, the warmth of her embraces, the way she could turn even the darkest day into one full of light.
That empathy connected him to Lina in a way he had never imagined. He knew what it meant to lose an irreplaceable figure and how that absence became a heavy burden on the soul.
Outside, she waited, holding onto the warm light of the candle while the cold night air wrapped around the house.
After a few minutes, Neizan finally came out of the room.
His face had regained its calm, though his eyes still held traces of something Lina couldn't quite define.
『Neizan: Sorry about earlier. I think that's enough for today's lessons. 』
He said with a faint, forced smile.
『Neizan: Really, thank you. I'll walk you to your room. 』
Lina observed him in silence for a few seconds, then nodded without saying anything.
They walked together to her room, the sound of their footsteps barely audible in the quiet house.
When they arrived, Neizan paused in front of the door, as if something else was on his mind.
『Neizan: One more thing. 』
『Lina: …? 』
She looked at him curiously, waiting for him to continue.
『Neizan: For now, try not to let Arthur know I told you my name. 』
His tone, though firm, carried a hint of vulnerability that Lina picked up on immediately.
『Lina: Okay… 』
She responded simply, without questions or judgment, respecting his request.
After saying goodbye, Neizan returned to his room. He felt exhausted, both physically and emotionally.
He began to prepare for sleep: he made his bed, closed the windows, and just before blowing out the candles and torches, he heard a soft knock on the door.
『Neizan: What's wrong? 』
He asked, a bit puzzled, as he cautiously approached the door.
The door opened slowly, revealing the girl with dark hair and eyes once again.
Her face showed a mix of worry and shyness, as if she was struggling internally with whether or not to speak.
Neizan looked at her, surprised and slightly confused.
『Neizan: Are you going to say something? 』
He asked, slightly taken aback by her behavior.
『Lina: I'm sorry… I haven't said it yet, but… 』
She began, her voice trembling, as if she didn't know how to express what she felt.
『Neizan: …? 』
He looked at her, waiting for her to continue, intrigued by what she had to say.
『Lina: I'm afraid of the dark. 』
She said in a low, trembling voice, hugging herself as if it could protect her.
Neizan looked at her with a calm expression, trying to think of a solution to help her feel better.
『Neizan: It's okay, I'll bring you some lamps so you'll feel more comfortable. 』
『Lina: No. That's not it... 』
She quickly responded, lowering her gaze.
『Lina: It's just that I don't want to be alone either. 』
Neizan observed her for a moment, finally understanding what was truly bothering her. With a sympathetic sigh, he got up calmly.
『Neizan: I see. Hold on... I'll bring a new mattress. 』
Lina blinked, confused, as she watched him move back and forth.
Neizan returned with a mattress and placed it on the floor near the bed.
『Neizan: Alright, you sleep in my bed. I'll sleep on the mattress on the floor. 』
Lina looked at him, surprised by his offer.
『Lina: What are you saying? That's not necessary. I'll sleep on the mattress instead. 』
She replied, a mix of discomfort and gratitude in her voice.
Neizan shook his head and insisted.
『Neizan: You won't sleep better there than in my bed. Stop being silly and just lie down already. 』
『Lina: Alright... Thanks. 』
As they both got ready for bed, Neizan turned off the lights in the room, letting the darkness take over
The soft moonlight filtered through small gaps in the curtains, subtly illuminating the space.
『Neizan: Goodnight, sleep well. 』
『Lina: Goodnight. 』
She replied softly, settling into the bed.
Neizan prepared the mattress on the floor, placing sheets and pillows over the rug.
He lay down and covered himself, turning his back to the bed where Lina rested.
Although they were in the same room, the distance between them made the nighttime silence feel even deeper.
They spent the night together under the same roof, separated only by a small mattress.
The gentle glow of the stars and moon accompanied them, while the sound of the wind slightly stirred the curtains, creating an atmosphere of calm and quiet connection.