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"Hiyori?" The sudden voice seemed to startle him. "You okay?"
Shin asked because when he woke up a moment ago, he heard noise in the kitchen. Nothing loud, but definitely not something that the fridge could be blamed for. It was more like quiet footsteps and getting water from the tap.
There was no response and little movement. When his eyes adjusted more to the unlit room and dim moonlight, he could make out a face looking in his direction. It was probably Hiyori, who else would it be? Shin was spending the night at his apartment again, after all.
He wearily got up from the couch he was sleeping on and walked up to Hiyori, taking note of the cup in his hand and his eyes staring blankly at him. Did something happen for him to be up at this hour? Speaking of his eyes, they look glossier than normal. Shin could basically see the moon through their reflection. Odd.
"Hiyori?" he tried again, hoping to get an answer this time. Unfortunately, he was only met with more silence. Hiyori's always so talkative, even when he's tired. It's pretty strange that he's not saying anything to his name being called to him. Shin moved from the doorway to find the light switch. The bright kitchen light is harsh but it's not nearly as unnerving as being stared at by glass-like eyes in the dark.
When he found the switch he flicked it on, to see Hiyori looking surprised at the sudden light, only to immediately glance uncomfortably to the side and hold his drink slightly closer to his chest, bringing his other arm half way up to meet it. Shin thought it uncharacteristic of him at first but then looked harder at his face. There were clear tear stains running down his cheeks.
Neither of them have ever cried in front of each other, and this technically doesn't count since he's not crying anymore, but it's the closest it's ever been. And Shin certainly didn't expect Hiyori to be the one crying out of the two. He had a million questions, but the main one, and the most important, was the reason. He couldn't think of any reason for him to be upset. He has a well-paying mysterious job already that can surely support him financially. And he's charismatic to the point of getting almost anything he wants out of people. Maybe it's because they're graduating soon? Is he stressed about the future?
He didn't really want to assume, though. Anyways, assumptions take time, and he needs to comfort his friend now. However, he has no clue how to. Shin knows that hugs are usually good, and he needs to make sure the other party feels listened to, but he has no idea how to actually work them together in a coherent way to comfort a person. Especially when it's the guy who's never cracked under pressure and always smiles and laughs and makes jokes about everything, and now that guy is standing in his kitchen, post-crying in the middle of the night. All Shin could think to do is walk up to him, hug him, and gently try to ask what happened. And so he did.
Hiyori tensed up when he was hugged. Despite how many years they've known each other and how close they've gotten, they still barely touch each other. It's usually limited to a tap on the shoulder or grabbing a wrist, or at most it's Hiyori eagerly shoving Shin into his apartment so he can show off some new games he bought or code he's proud of. Still, Shin thought he should give him a hug. His mom always hugged him when he was bothered and upset, and he's sure Hiyori at least wouldn't get mad.
After a minute, he felt Hiyori ease into him. Not that he was at all hugging him back - not that he could really do so with the water he was still holding - but Shin thought he felt more comfortable. "Are you feeling okay?" Shin's terrible at being gentle with his words. He doesn't talk to many people aside from Hiyori and his parents, both parties who seem to not mind his tone of voice. Still, he tried as hard as possible to be delicate.
"...mm.. better.." He sounded hoarse, which was normal since he'd been crying, but it was still a strange overlay on his dry tone of voice. If Shin didn't know any better, he actually might've thought he was angry with how strained it sounded. Other than his voice, it was to know that he felt better. Maybe hugs are magic! A one-stop shop to drying your tears and erasing your fears! ..Haha. He brushed off the silly thoughts with a smile to himself and hugged Hiyori just a teeny bit tighter.
Thinking of asking him why he was upset, Shin decided not to press it. Usually when he himself is upset, Hiyori will make him feel better whether he tells him what's wrong or not. And when he doesn't want to say anything, Hiyori doesn't ask further, instead offering a pat on the shoulder and a conversation topic to chat about. If Shin wants to ask him anyways, it should probably be in the morning when they've both gotten enough sleep, and if Hiyori doesn't want to say anything, he won't force him to.
"We should probably go back to sleep. Hope you're feeling better in the morning." He couldn't think of how to properly say goodnight to him, so this would probably do. With a small squeeze, Shin parted from the hug.
"Yeah.." Hiyori still looked kind of terrible, but at least he was smiling! Albeit weakly. He took another drink of his water and set the cup down on the counter. For some reason, he didn't meet Shin's eyes at all, not even when he left the kitchen. Oh well, as long as he's feeling better and getting sleep.
Shin stepped out of the kitchen and looked at him down the hall. "Goodnight, Sou!"
Hiyori paused, and then looked at him with a fuller smile. "Night, Shin."