Chereads / Shattered Masks / Chapter 16 - A Quiet Familiarity

Chapter 16 - A Quiet Familiarity

The glow of dawn seeped into the room through half-drawn curtains, painting the walls with soft hues of gold. On a bed far too small for two people, Hime stirred. Her arms were pinned to her sides, her back pressed snugly against Kazuki's broad chest. His arms were wrapped around her, as if letting go would tear something vital from him.

She shifted slightly, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her spine. His hold only tightened. A low, sleepy murmur rumbled from his throat, warm breath tickling her ear.

Her brows furrowed. This man clings like I'm the last thread of sanity he has.

With careful, practiced grace, Hime began her escape. Twisting her slender frame, she slipped from his grasp, her movements fluid and silent. For a moment, Kazuki's arms tightened as if sensing her departure even in sleep, but she slipped free with a final deft maneuver, landing lightly on the floor.

He sighed, his arms falling to the empty mattress as he unconsciously reached for the warmth that had vanished.

Hime glanced back at him, her eyes softening. "You're impossible," she whispered with a faint smile before padding to the makeshift kitchen.

Kazuki woke slowly. His hand moved to the space where she had been. It was cold. His eyes opened, sharp and searching, but all he found was emptiness. A pang of something unfamiliar—longing—gripped him. He sat up, raking a hand through his tousled hair, feeling strangely... hungry.

The soft sound of movement drew his gaze to the kitchen. There she was.

Hime, barefoot and graceful, was preparing breakfast. The soft hiss of oil, the aroma of freshly brewed tea, and her delicate, unhurried movements filled the quiet room. She wore a simple blouse and loose pants, but somehow, she looked regal.

Kazuki moved without thinking. His feet carried him to her.

She didn't flinch when his arms snaked around her waist from behind. She didn't stiffen, didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned into him slightly, as if they had done this a hundred times before.

"You're awake," she murmured, stirring a pan of eggs.

Kazuki buried his face in her hair, the scent of something floral and uniquely her filling his senses. He nuzzled closer, his chin brushing against her soft locks. He inhaled deeply, sighing contentedly.

"I could do this forever," he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.

Hime's hand paused. A smile, small but real, tugged at her lips. "Me too," she whispered under her breath.

For a moment, there was only quiet. The world outside ceased to exist.

But breakfast wouldn't wait forever.

She tilted her head toward him. "Kazuki."

"Mmm?"

"Sit."

He grunted, reluctant, but she nudged him gently. He released her with a sigh, stepping back with all the reluctance of a dragon surrendering its treasure. He dropped into the chair at her makeshift dining table, watching her with a gaze that didn't waver.

When she joined him, setting a simple but warm meal between them, she was already absorbed in her tablet. Her slender fingers scrolled through the screen as she picked at her food with the other hand.

Kazuki frowned. "You do this every morning?"

"Mm-hmm," she replied without looking up.

He let his eyes linger on her. The sunlight caught in her hair, turning it a rich shade of black that seemed to drink in the light. She looked softer in the morning, less like the enigmatic Venus and more like... Hime. Just Hime.

But even here, in this fragile moment of peace, he couldn't shake the tension in his chest. They were playing a dangerous game, and he knew better than to trust the calm. The world outside was waiting for them, claws bared and teeth ready to sink into any weakness.

"Hime."

She hummed distractedly, her eyes locked on some data.

His patience snapped. He reached across the table, cupped her chin, and tilted her face toward him. "Me," he commanded, his voice low and firm. "Eyes on me. Not that gadget."

She blinked, startled, before a glimmer of amusement sparkled in her eyes. She set the tablet aside slowly. "Eyes on you, huh?"

His jaw tightened, frustration and something deeper simmering beneath the surface. "What's so interesting that you ignore me?"

Hime raised a brow. "New information. Mornings are crucial for updates. Patterns change, threats emerge—"

"Stop." His fingers flexed against her skin. "I don't care."

Her breath caught. He doesn't care?

His eyes darkened. "Right now, I don't want you thinking about anything but me."

Her heart stuttered—a rare, foolish stumble. She usually hated when people interrupted her routine. Her mornings were sacred. Efficient. But this—this was different.

Softly, she sighed. "Kazuki," she began. "This is important."

"So am I," he cut in.

Her lips parted, but no sharp retort came. Instead, a faint blush dusted her cheeks. She picked up her chopsticks again. "It's only in the morning," she mumbled, half a protest.

"I'll hold you to that," he said, a triumphant gleam in his eyes.

Their playful banter filled the space between them, light and easy. It felt natural. Familiar, even.

Then his phone rang.

Kazuki's expression shifted instantly. The weight of his world crashed down on him with the sharp sound of his ringtone. He answered, his voice clipped and commanding. "What is it?"

Hime watched the change. The way warmth gave way to ice. She didn't ask what it was—she already knew it meant he had to leave.

When he hung up, the silence stretched between them.

"Go," she said quietly. "I'll be here."

He frowned, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. "You won't disappear?"

She smiled faintly. "No. I'll be here."

Kazuki stood, lingering by the door. Then he leaned down, brushing a kiss against her cheek—light, but filled with unspoken promises.

"Be safe," he murmured.

"You too."

And then, reluctantly, he walked away.