Chapter Text
It was late at night, around 2:00 AM, when Hikari woke up abruptly. Sitting straight up, she thought she heard a sound outside her door. But that wasn’t possible; everyone was fast asleep. Holding her breath, she listened carefully for the sound, but it was not repeated. As she decided it was nothing of concern, Hikari leaned back down on her bed and turned over to her side. She fell fast asleep with no trouble.
**
Alphinaud and Estinien’s room was as quiet as it could get. But the truth was that Estinien was wide awake in his bed. Myriad thoughts swirled in his head as he tossed and turned under his blanket. One thing plaguing his brain at this ungodly hour was that he was uncomfortable sharing a room with Alphinaud, but the boy seemed so enthusiastic to share a room with him. Estinien let out an audible sigh. Suddenly aware of Alphinaud’s presence in the room, Estinien lifted his head a bit to look over at the other bed.
Still motionless. No sign of waking.
Estinien let out a sigh of relief before letting his head fall back on the pillow. Turning to the other side, he closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep once again.
In the same room, Alphinaud had been awake the entire time. He wondered what made the older man Estinien sigh so loudly. But it was kind of obvious. The two were roommates but they haven’t had any bonding moments at since the room arrangement was decided. In fact, the two seemed to be even more awkward around each other, if that was possible. Alphinaud didn’t know what to do, so he just let things continue the way they were going.
Sighing, Alphinaud closed his eyes again. Sleep was returning to him, so he welcomed the break.
**
In Krile’s room, she was fast asleep, but she was having disturbing dreams. She dreamt she was in another world, fighting alongside her friends against a monstrosity of an enemy. They were getting battered and bruised, but none of them surrendered. The group had to win, they had to save the world as they knew it. Then suddenly, Alphinaud fell over and was about to be obliterated when Krile woke up just as suddenly as it happened.
Perspiring, Krile was breathing heavily for a while before looking around her room. Everything was normal. She was not fighting a giant enemy. She was safe and sound in her bedroom, though she was now sweaty. Putting aside her blanket, Krile sighed. She was still feeling disturbed from the dream.
What was that all about? Krile wondered, then shook her head rapidly in an attempt to dismiss the image. But it was still stuck in her head. She turned to her left side and closed her eyes to return to sleep, hoping the dream doesn’t return.
**
Inside Tataru’s room, the young petite girl slept soundly without a disturbing dream or anxious thought to keep her up. In fact, she was dreaming about teatime with all her friends, drinking Earl Grey tea and eating macarons in fashionable attire. A smile could be seen on her face.
**
Everyone had already eaten breakfast in the morning and went about their day with their freelance jobs. Hikari snuck back into her room, but she flopped on her bed once she reached her room instead. Having done her work for the day already, Hikari felt fatigued, which usually happened after submitting the assignment to her current employer. This fatigue was due to her severe anxiety that happened after dealing with people.
“At least that much is done,” Hikari muttered to herself, giving way to a heavy sigh. “Now for the next contract…” Hikari had changed into a white flowy dress after waking up.
A knock came from the door.
“Hikari?” A familiar voice came through.
Her face reddened at recognising the voice. “O-Oh, Estinien! Um, feel free to come in,” Hikari said shyly.
With the approval, the older man walked into the bedroom. He had on a grey dress shirt where the sleeves were folded to the elbow area and a pair of black pants. Standing still for a moment, Estinien closed the door and stood in the middle of the room with his arms crossed. To any other person, that would be the epitome of intimidation. But Estinien did not mean to intimidate; it was his being awkward.
“Are you okay?” Estinien asked gruffly.
Hikari bit her lip and nodded. “Um… Yeah… I’m sorry to worry you,” she said meekly. “D-Did you need something, E-Esti?”
“Oh no, nothi— wait, what did you just call me?” Estinien said before his expression became one of shock.
“Hee hee, it’s just a nickname!” Hikari said, smiling widely.
Estinien sighed but resigned to his fate. “As long as you’re alright now.”
“Hmm? Were you worried, Estinien?”
“…Perhaps,” Estinien said, averting his gaze but aware of the girl reaching out to him. Before she reached him, Estinien looked down at the girl and ruffled her hair gently with one hand. A slight smile was seen on his face before it faded to his usual expression.
“Estinien… Did you just…?” Hikari asked, her hands on her now messy hair but tilting her head in inquisition.
“Did I what?” Estinien returned the question that was full of seeming innocence.
Hikari giggled. “Oh, it’s nothing, Estinien!” She straightened her dark brown hair and landed her hands on the bed. “Oh, do you have work right now?”
“No, not today,” Estinien nodded.
“U-Um… Why don’t you take a seat? Or do I have to call you Es—” Hikari started to say when Estinien leaned forward and covered her mouth quickly.
“You will not say that name again,” Estinien said rather harshly. Looking at the girl’s face, guilt panged in his chest. “I’m sorry. Are… you angry?”
Hikari looked up with a grin on her face. “Nope! I’m good. But I do mean it that you should take a seat.”
“All right then,” Estinien bowed before taking a seat next to her on the bed. “Is this sufficient?”
Hikari’s face turned completely red as the older man propped down beside her. She hadn’t expected that, and it made her anxiety skyrocket. “U-U-Uh… E-Estinien… a-are y-you doing t-this on p-purpose?”
Estinien turned to face the girl. “No. Why do you ask?” He turned away. “You did insist I take a seat.”
“Umm… Did I say something wrong?” Hikari asked, looking downcast with her head drooping. She felt as though Estinien was becoming distant from her even though she knew he was also abiding by her request. Times like this was when it was most troubling for Hikari.
“No, you did not,” Estinien replied. “What’s wrong, Hikari?”
“A-Ah… I’m just feeling a bit nervous, thinking you were mad at me,” Hikari said sheepishly.
“I’m not,” Estinien replied rather adamantly. “You’re always like that. We won’t get mad at you that easily.”
“I’m s-sorry…” Hikari said, abashed. “U-Um… I’ll try not to think like that… It’s just hard.”
“I know,” Estinien said softly. “I’m sorry.”
“I-It’s okay, Esti…nien,” Hikari said, lifting her head up.
“You were close there,” Estinien said sternly before a brief smile appeared on his face.
“Heehee!” Hikari laughed. “I was really close.” Then as abruptly as possible, Hikari leaned her head against Estinien’s shoulder.
Estinien remained in place, silent at the gesture. But he did not object to what Hikari was doing. In contrast, Estinien leaned his head against hers as he closed his eyes. Hikari was a dear friend and he would do anything she needed. Sighing softly, Estinien lifted his head and watched the girl sleep. ‘She must be tired…’
**
Outside the room with Estinien and Hikari were in, the petite girl Tataru was sitting on the couch facing the blank television. It looked like she was just staring at the turned off TV but in reality, she was planning a movie night with everyone from both apartments. She dubbed it “Movie Night Out” and arranged it for this coming Saturday. Suddenly standing up, Tataru looked around the apartment. Everyone was either in their rooms or out somewhere. She needed everyone around. Walking to the closest room, Tataru knocked on Hikari’s door.
The abrupt knocking startled Estinien slightly but he looked down and saw Hikari had awakened. He made a gesture asking if he should open the door and she gave a slight nod. Estinien stood up and walked to the door, opening to reveal the petite Tataru.
“Oh, so you two were here?” Tataru said with slight playfulness in her voice.
“Yes, I was checking up on Hikari,” Estinien explained, giving a glance at the petite girl.
“Hee hee, no suspicious behaviour!” Hikari chirped as she rose to her feet. “Um, did you need one of us, Tataru?”
“Oh, I’m just planning to have a movie night on Saturday and would like to know if both of you are good with that,” Tataru said, not giving away any details. She wanted it as a surprise for everyone working hard.
“Oh! Movie night!” Hikari shone. “I’m good for Saturday! Oh, please say you will too, Estinien!” An enthusiastic smile was on her face as she shone brightly to Estinien.
“Eh… I suppose I’m free on Saturday,” Estinien said casually, not wanting to hurt Elena by being less animated and Tataru by refusing.
“Yaaay, Estinien!” Hikari jumped up and down in place. Then she ran over to Estinien, grabbing his hands in hers. “Let’s make this the best!” Then she realised what she did with her hands and immediately dropped his. “U-Um… I’m sorry, Estinien…”
“It’s fine, Hikari,” Estinien replied, with a soft smile on his face. “So who else have you informed about this ‘Movie Night’?”
“For now, just you two! Please spread the news for me too!” Tataru said enthusiastically, practically jumping up and down in place. As abruptly as she had entered the room, Tataru dashed from the room in a blink of an eye.
Estinien and Hikari exchanged glances, first confusion then worry and finally excitement, at least on Hikari’s part. The two decided to inform more of their friends about this movie night that Tataru was planning. Estinien opted to find the other roommates in the apartment while Hikari went to the one across the hallway.
**
Hikari took the key for the other apartment from her dresser and departed on her mission. She noticed Tataru wasn’t anywhere in the apartment, so she figured the girl also went to other flat. Deciding to help Tataru as best as she could with her anxiety, Hikari left the room and proceeded to the next.
Unlocking the door of the other apartment door, Hikari didn’t spot Tataru inside. She walked deeper into the flat and heard voices coming from Y’shtola’s room. Recognising the voices of Thancred and Urianger, she was uncertain whether to intrude on their conversation or wait patiently in the living room. Anxiety took a grip on her as she closed her eyes and stood there motionless until a familiar voice came through from another room.
“Hikari? What brings you over here?” the voice said.
Hikari opened her eyes and turned her head to the source of the voice. It was Krile. Opening her eyes slowly, she pointed at the other petite girl. “K-Krile? Umm… i-it’s just… Tataru…” Hikari tried to speak but her anxiety still had a hold on her.
“Oh, about the movie night?” Krile asked, smiling at the other girl.
“Y-Yes…” Hikari said, nodding slowly. “U-Um… Do the others know?”
“Yes, everyone here knows about it and we’ve all consented to give the night for it,” Krile smiled. “You should check with the others back in your flat.”
“Mhm, I will right now,” Hikari determinately said as she ran out of the room. As she returned to her own apartment, Hikari looked around for Estinien and found him sitting on the sofa with Alphinaud. Not wanting to disturb their conversation, she walked over to Alisaie’s room when she heard her name called by Alphinaud.
“Hikari,” Alphinaud had said. “Come over here for a second.”
“Umm… okay,” Hikari said as she turned around and took a seat on the sofa opposite of Estinien and Alphinaud. “W-What’s going on?”
“Estinien told me about this movie night, so I was wondering if you were going to attend,” Alphinaud explained. “Alisaie already consented.”
“O-Oh, yeah, I-I am,” Hikari nodded firmly.
“That’s great,” Alphinaud said, visibly relieved. “Well, count me in, Estinien.”
“Tataru is the one planning this, not me,” Estinien said, almost coldly. He turned to Hikari. “Can you let Tataru know that everyone is accounted for? I think she should have gone back to the other apartment.”
“But I just came back from there…” Hikari said, lowering her head. “But… I-I will go again then.” As she stood up, Alphinaud suddenly raised a hand up.
“Wait, Hikari,” Alphinaud interrupted. “I’ll go inform Tataru. Why don’t you sit and talk with Estinien?”
Hikari immediately blushed and turned away from both boys. She did it involuntarily that she didn’t realise what she’d done until Hikari felt her warm cheeks. Staring at the sofa, Hikari slowly turned her head to face Estinien but the act only caused further blushing.
“Hikari?” Estinien tilted his head to one side. “Are you alright?”
“U-U-Uh…” Hikari stuttered, her hands still on her face. “Um… Yeah! I am!” She nodded rapidly.
“…If you say so,” Estinien said, eyeing Hikari carefully in case something might happen.
Hikari dropped her hands and stared straight at Estinien until he started fidgeting in place. “I-I’m sorry, Estinien…”
“What for?”
“I… I was impolite and turned away from you, and I made you worried, I think,” Hikari said slowly.
“Oh, it’s alright, Hikari,” Estinien assuaged the girl, remaining still in his seat again. “Don’t worry about it.”
“U-Um, okay…” the girl said hesitantly.
Alphinaud looked at both parties, one being embarrassed and the other just sitting there with his arms crossed on his chest. “Anyway, I’ll go find Tataru. Be civil, kids.”
“We’re not kids,” Estinien said stoically.
“I know. Anyway, I’ll be heading out then,” Alphinaud said as he waved a hand at the other two sitting on the sofas.
“So—” Hikari started to say when she heard footsteps coming from the other rooms. She turned her head to see Alisaie walking toward the two. “Oh, hello, Alisaie.”
“Oh, Hikari!” Alisaie said, with more enthusiasm in her voice. “Did you hear about Tataru’s plan?”
“Oh, y-yes, I did,” Hikari smiled slightly.
“So, everyone is attending the movie night?” a familiar voice came from the other room.
Hikari and Estinien turned their heads to the newcomer’s voice. It was G’raha, still in his green pyjamas and standing outside his door. He stepped into the living room and walked toward the couch. Arriving at the couch, G’raha took a seat beside Hikari.
“Y-yes, all of us are,” Hikari answered nervously.
“That’s great,” G’raha said, stifling a yawn. “I wonder what movies Tataru has in mind.”
“Maybe horror?” Hikari said hopefully.
“No! Anything BUT that!” Alisaie suddenly shouted in the apartment and causing everyone to watch her. “Uh… Just… I don’t want to watch horror movies!”
G’raha chuckled before leaning back on the sofa. “I don’t mind any genres, so I’m good for the night.”
“M-Me too,” Hikari said anxiously, staring down while fiddling her hands. She was unable to bring herself to look at Alisaie because of her response.
“It…is okay, Hikari,” Alisaie said slowly but steadily. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll still attend the movie night with all of you! And besides, it might not be horror!” She walked over to the couch toward Hikari and leaned forward before she captured the other girl in her arms.
“A-Ah!” Hikari gasped, startled by the sudden show of affection. “Um… What is this about, Alisaie?”
“Oh, nothing, just hugging my best friend,” Alisaie giggled to herself. “Oh, crap, I have to go to the hospital right now! I’ll see you all later!” Alisaie dashed back to her bedroom to prepare her belongings before she headed out.
“Oh,” G’raha said, looking down at his pyjamas. “Uh, I’ll get changed and start my job right now.” G’raha let out a wide yawn and got up from the sofa. He returned to his room, not before letting out another yawn.
Hikari giggled, facing Estinien once again. “He’s funny. I hope he won’t get in trouble.” Hikari let out another small giggle. “So umm, what would you like to do today, Estinien?”
“Hmm…” Estinien said, crossing his arms across his chest. “I don’t have anything planned and I’m not working today. What about you, Hikari?”
“I’m not sure either…” Hikari said softly. “I finished my job’s tasks for the time being so I’m pretty much free for the next few days.”
“I see,” Estinien said but that was all he could muster out. “Do you want to—”
“How about we go—”
Hikari started to say something when she noticed Estinien also saying something that both participants were equally silenced.
“What were you going to say?” Estinien stopped himself.
“Uhhh… it’s nothing! What were you saying?” Hikari shook her head rapidly.
“Come on, Hikari, you can say it first,” Estinien said encouragingly.
“Uh… I was going to suggest going to a cafe…” Hikari said hesitantly, fiddling her hands again as if out of habits. “Umm… What were you saying, Estinien?”
“I… was about to say we could go horseback riding,” Estinien said, slightly abashed.
“Oh! That sounds like a lovely idea,” HIkari said, brightening up by a lot. “We can go to the café after the ranch!”
“That sounds good. Are you good to go now?” Estinien asked as he rose from his seat.
“Yeah! I’m all good!” Hikari said, also rising from her seat. “Oh… I should change into jeans. Just give me a few seconds!” She said as she dashed back into her room. Once inside, Hikari looked through her closet for something nice but nothing too fancy, settling for a pink tee shirt top and a pair of light-blue jeans. Stepping out again, she noticed Estinien was staring at her, which caused her to turn away with a blushing face.
“Um, I’m ready now,” Hikari said, her cheeks still warmed.
“Let’s get going,” Estinien said as he turned around to walk toward to the door. “Oh, make sure you don’t wear any open-toed shoes.”
“A-Ah, alright,” Hikari nodded though she knew Estinien wouldn’t be able to see it.
Estinien wore his usual brown boots while Hikari opted for her black ankle boots. The two departed the apartment and headed toward the garage where Estinien’s black Honda Civic was parked. The two’s footfalls were sounded throughout the apartment complex and, consequently, through the garage. Once the two got in the car, Estinien started up the car and glanced at Hikari, who was brushing through her hair with her hands.
“Hmm? Is something on my face?” Hikari asked without looking at the man in the driver’s seat.
“Oh, no, nothing of the sort,” Estinien said, looking away with a slight disappointment. However, if Estinien did feel any degree of disappointment, it was gone within a second. “Well, let’s get going then.”
“Yeah, let’s!” Hikari said enthusiastically, giving a fist pump. “I can’t wait!”
**
From inside Y’shtola’s bedroom, two other roommates were also there, Thancred and Urianger. The three friends were looking through old textbooks in the bigger bedroom. At the group’s initial acquisition of the two apartments, Y’shtola already claimed the biggest one in that specific flat. The biggest room in the other apartment was given graciously to Hikari. As Ysh’tola looked through the volumes on the shelves, she was humming a little tune to herself but still garnered the attention of her friends.
Y’shtola was wearing a dark green dress that covered her entire body with a
“Y’shtola? Are you alright?” Thancred tossed a concerned look at the girl.
“Me? I’m perfectly fine,” Y’shtola replied, her attention still on the book in her hands.
Urianger moved to the shelf against the right wall and perused through the large volumes of books. He went through the tomes silently but rapidly, almost as though he was floating along the bookshelf.
“Urianger? Are you okay?” Thancred asked. But the other man did not respond. “Urianger? Earth to Urianger!” Thancred said, a bit louder than before.
Urianger suddenly looked up and stared straight ahead. “Huh? What dost thee need?” Urianger said, turning his head to face Thancred.
“Uh… You just, kind of went on your own to that shelf,” Thancred said hesitantly. “Did you find something?”
“Ah, no. This just hath materials pertinent to my job,” Urianger replied before resuming to read through the tome in his hand.
“Why don’t you take a novel and read it, Thancred?” Y’shtola suggested.
“No, thank you,” Thancred said. “I’ll look for Hikari and Estinien instead.” With that, he walked to the door and exited the room, leaving the two bookworms inside. As he walked to the counter where the keys were, Thancred picked up the one for the corresponding apartment. Exiting the apartment, Thancred locked the door before walking across to unlock the door. Stepping inside, Thancred looked around for a serious-looking man and a frail-looking woman around.
“Hey, Estinien! Hikari!”
There was no response.
Thancred turned heel and walked toward Hikari’s room. He knocked on the door a few times but there was no response. He then turned to the room where Alphinaud and Estinien occupied. Thancred couldn’t help but wonder how those two are doing with a shared bedroom. Knocking on the door a few times, Thancred heard nothing from inside the room, so he figured no one was inside.
Knocking on the door for a few times again, there was no response here either.
Thancred gave a heavy sigh outside the room.
“What’s wrong?”
Thancred recognised that voice and looked up. “Oh, it’s you, Tataru.”
“What’s with that response?” Tataru stomped her feet on the ground. “I know you’re looking for Estinien and Hikari!”
“Wow, how did you…know?” Thancred asked suspiciously.
“I saw you knocking on the doors of Hikari and Estinien’s rooms,” Tataru said proudly. You didn’t even notice me.”
“Ugh,” Thancred grunted. “Do you know where those two went?”
“Not at all,” Tataru grinned widely. “But I did see them leave in Estinien’s car.”
“Damn, I was too late,” Thancred grunted again. “Well, I’ll be heading out after I return this key.” Thancred waved this apartment key with his right hand before leaving the flat.
**
Alisaie sighed deeply while she was in the break room. She wanted to go home and go shopping with the girls, though she wasn’t certain if Y’shtola would come along. But unfortunately, Alisaie still had a few more hours at this hospital.
If Alisaie wasn’t allowed to go shopping right now, she decided to invite everyone for a shopping session after her work was done. Taking out her phone, Alisaie adeptly texted all the girls in the apartments. Satisfied, Alisaie tucked away her phone and relaxed in the break room chair with a can of cola.
“Hehehe…” Alisaie chuckled to herself. “Today will be great. We’ll all go shopping today… Wait… We need someone to drive us and carry our bags… Hm, I think I’ll ask G’raha and Estinien if either of them are predisposed.” Alisaie took out her phone and deftly typed her messages for the two men.
**
Alphinaud rested against the plastic chair in the café he opted to go to before getting to his assigned job for the day. There was still approximately an hour left before he had to get going. Picking up his cup with his right hand, Alphinaud scanned his surroundings for any early job shots he could take. However, there was nothing of worth for him so he might as well save his own time.
Setting down the cup, Alphinaud decided the teacup of Barley tea tasted rather bland compared to Tataru’s “Teatime” sessions. Alphinaud wasn’t sure what made him feel nostalgic, but he wanted to have a Teatime when he got home. Taking out his phone, Alphinaud started texting Tataru to arrange for a Teatime with the others.
**
Krile was hard at work in her room, doing translation papers for an employer located in San Francisco. It wasn’t difficult for Krile, but she sure hoped there was some kind of brief distraction from the translation work.
Then, Krile’s phone vibrated as if on cue, signalling a new text message. She quickly grabbed her phone in her hands and read the message. It had been from Alisaie.
Hey, everyone!
Krile had already giggled because she already noticed that the recipients were the females of the group. She continued to read the text:
We should all go shopping today! After my shift for the day, of course. Please let me know.
Krile thought this was the distraction she needed. Of course, she would finish her work before heading out, but she only had five more pages and Alisaie wasn’t due to return home for three hours. She responded affirmatively to the text message before resuming at her computer.
**
Tataru had been relaxing back in her apartment, watching the TV. The show currently airing was about a group of six fully clothed individuals fighting a shady woman with her minions to stop her from taking over the world.
Tataru yawned and switched channels.
The next show had some oversized teddy bears prancing around the screen.
Tataru shivered and quickly changed the channel, but it was no good. There weren’t any interesting or dramatic shows being aired right now.
Tataru turned off the television and got off the couch, walking over to the kitchen in search for snacks.
There were no snacks left in this apartment. Tataru thought about going to the other apartment when she received a text message. She swiped through the screen to see it was a mass message from Alisaie.
Hey, everyone!
We should all go shopping today! After my shift for the day, of course. Please let me know.
Tataru contemplated for a good bit and decided to go along. She responded to the text message affirmatively.
**
G’raha sat behind his computer as he typed rapidly while looking over a sheet of paper beside his mouse. His green eyes darted quickly between the monitor and the sheet. Almost every action looked automated than a human doing his work.
There it was! G’raha yawned pretty widely as he pulled up a hand to cover his mouth even though there was no one else around. He stretched his neck a few times before returning to work when he noticed he had a text message. Swiping the screen, G’raha noticed it was from Alisaie so he opened up the text message and it read as followed:
G’raha! You busy later today? I’m taking the girls to shopping and I’d like your help. I need you to drive us over there and back! Are you up for it? Let me know.
G’raha raised an eyebrow before glancing at his paper on the desk. He still had a good number of accounts to enter, so G’raha didn’t think he had the time to help his friends. As a result, G’raha sent an apologetic text to Alisaie before resuming to his task.