After the movie ended, Aoi stretched and yawned, excusing herself to her room for the night. She gave Shizuka a sidelong glance, with just a hint of suspicion in her eyes. "Goodnight, Shizuka," she said, dragging out the last word before heading off to bed, leaving Kazuki and Shizuka alone in the living room.
Shizuka, smiling with a hint of mischief, picked up the small overnight bag she had brought along. "I'll just go change into my nightwear," she said, giving Kazuki a playful wink as she headed to the bathroom. Kazuki took this time to prepare a futon on the floor for her to sleep on, arranging it with extra blankets and pillows for comfort. He was used to their friendly sleepovers, though now that they were an official couple, the thought of her sleeping over stirred a new kind of nervousness.
After a few minutes, Shizuka reappeared, dressed in a soft, oversized t-shirt and comfortable shorts. She looked around the room, her gaze falling on the futon he had so neatly prepared for her on the floor. Tilting her head with a slight pout, she said, "Kazuki, really? You think I'm going to sleep all the way down there?"
Kazuki blinked, confused. "Well, I just thought—"
"No way," Shizuka interrupted, stepping forward. "We're a couple now, right?" She smiled, a faint blush on her cheeks. "I'm sleeping next to you on your bed tonight, and don't worry—I'll keep you safe from any ghosts."
Kazuki's cheeks flushed at the suggestion, but he couldn't deny the warm feeling spreading in his chest. "A-Alright," he stammered, scooting over to make room as she climbed onto his bed.
Shizuka settled beside him, close enough that Kazuki could feel the warmth radiating from her. Her body pressed lightly against his, making him tense up. Shizuka chuckled, catching his expression, and whispered, "You don't have to be so nervous, you know. It's just me."
He managed a shaky laugh, trying to relax. "Right… just you."
The room fell into a comfortable silence as they lay beside each other, Kazuki's heartbeat racing. Shizuka noticed and gently rested her hand over his. "You're really warm," she whispered, her voice soft and affectionate. "It's nice."
She snuggled a little closer, and Kazuki found himself relaxing bit by bit. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, allowing her to rest her head against his chest. The closeness felt right, natural even, and he realized how much he had come to treasure her presence.
"Thanks for making tonight so special, Kazuki," Shizuka murmured, looking up at him with a soft smile. "Dinner, the movie, everything… it felt perfect."
Kazuki met her gaze, his hand gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. You're always welcome here."
They lay in each other's arms, Shizuka's gentle breathing eventually lulling him to a peaceful calm. As she drifted off to sleep, Kazuki felt a deep warmth spreading through him—a feeling of comfort and belonging he hadn't experienced before. He knew their relationship was something rare, something he wanted to cherish.
---
The next morning, Shizuka stretched and smiled, her expression warm as she looked at Kazuki. She got ready to leave, thanking him and Aoi for the wonderful evening. "I'll see you soon, okay?" she said with a bright smile.
Kazuki nodded, watching her go, feeling a strange but happy ache as she waved goodbye. Shizuka had filled his world with light, and he couldn't wait to see her again.