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An empty-sounding clock ticks throughout the night, disrupting the silence of the room.
A girl sits hunched over her monitor, her fingers gliding across the keys. From the subtle trace of light seeping in from the gaps of her closed curtains, Kanade can take a guess it’s around 3 a.m.
Just a little longer, she thinks to herself, attempting to fight the heaviness of her eyelids. I can’t sleep now— not when it’s almost finished…
“Kanade.”
Kanade startles at the sudden sound of a girl’s voice behind her. She takes off her headphones and turns around, slowly, in her swivel-chair. Mafuyu is standing behind her, staring into her eyes. The dull blue glow of Kanade’s monitor lights up the somewhat disapproving expression she wears.
“Mafuyu,” Kanade starts, almost guiltily. “I thought you went to sleep after today's group meeting.”
“I did. I recently woke up.”
“Oh, did I wake you? I’m sorry.”
Before Kanade can reply, Mafuyu is taking her hand and leading her to her feet, supporting her as she inevitably wobbles from the familiar dizziness she experiences when standing up.
“Ah— Mafuyu? Are you okay?” Kanade asks, but the former is already guiding her to their bed.
“You’re going to sleep.”
“Eh? But I was almost done—”
“You’re always almost done your compositions, Kanade,” Mafuyu interrupts. “But you shouldn’t work this late. It’s not good for you. You have already fainted this week.”
Kanade knows better than to protest now. She keeps her mouth shut – albeit reluctantly – as Mafuyu gently pushes her down onto the bed and drapes the covers over her shoulders.
You really shouldn’t bother yourself so much, Mafuyu, Kanade’s internal voice sighs. I’m sorry I have to be such a burden.
“You’re not a burden.”
Kanade blinks. “What? You heard that?” Had she accidentally spoken her thoughts aloud? Perhaps the lack of sleep was getting to her head a little.
Kanade shifts backwards and Mafuyu slips under the covers facing her. She softens a little as she feels Mafuyu’s fingers thread through her hair.
“You’re not a burden, Kanade,” Mafuyu murmurs, her eyes half-lidded. “And you never will be. I want to help you; as you have helped me, countless times. I want you to be happy.”
Oh.
“Thank you,” Kanade mumbles, relaxing a little more on her pillow, her eyes wandering off into some dark corner of their room. How could Mafuyu be so generous? What had she done to deserve someone so kind? “I really appreciate that. I… I want you to be happy, too.”
Mafuyu hums in reply as she closes her eyes. “It’s okay. It’s true.”
The night is silent, for a bit.
Mafuyu’s voice breaks it. “Can you please go to sleep earlier tomorrow? And have at least two meals?”
“Yes, Mafuyu,” Kanade replies. She’ll probably have to be reminded to, but she doesn’t want to be more trouble than she already is by objecting.
“Okay. Thank you. Good night, Kanade.”
In the darkness, a trace of a smile lingers on Kanade’s lips. “Good night, Mafuyu. Rest well.”
The night feels warmer.