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“Nirei…” Sakura choked out, a little strained.
The blonde stifled a sob, sniffling as he hid further against his taller friend’s sleeve.
Sakura sighed fondly, his unoccupied arm moving so he could run a hand through Nirei’s hair, “I promise I’m fine now. It’s all in the past-”
“Barely!” Nirei cut off, pulling Sakura’s bicep firmly against his chest, “these things, they were happening to you only months ago! I- I don’t understand how you’re so… calm?”
Sakura stayed quiet for a long moment, dual coloured eyes watching Nirei’s shoulders hitch as his forehead further nuzzled the sleeve of his uniform. His gaze roamed across the near empty rooftop, golden eye catching the tail end of the sun's light.
“It's getting late,” he mumbled, fingers still absently threading through blonde hair.
There was another sniff, “so?” Nirei mumbled, a stubbornness creeping into his tone.
“So,” Sakura chuckled, “Umemiya's gonna lock the school soon. We need to leave.”
Nirei didn't respond for a long while. Cicadas sang loudly, even from their position at the top of the school, as glowing pink clouds drifted along the horizon, making Makochi look like a watercolour painting.
“I don't want to leave you alone right now,” Nirei finally whispered, barely audible to his own ears.
Sakura took a deep breath in, allowing the words to settle in his mind for a moment. His eyes continued to take in the view, a serene smile on his face.
“Okay,” he spoke softly, moving his hand from Nirei's hair to his shoulder, giving it a firm pat.
“Stay over,” he offered, surprising both boys with his nonchalance.
“R-really?” Nirei stuttered, eyes glittering at the offer. He finally straightened his posture, looking Sakura in the eyes, but his grip around the taller boy's bicep stayed strong.
Sakura gave a shrug, “why not? But you'll have to bring your own futon-”
“That's fine!” Nirei jumped, giving a stilted salute as he finally peeled away from the two toned boy, “I'll bring food too! We can make ramen!”
Sakura gave a fond smile, patting Nirei’s golden locks once more, “sure. Want me to help you carry stuff?”
“Oh! I-if you want? Maybe I should make an overnight bag…” the older began to mumble, bringing his thumb to his mouth in order to bite the nail.
Sakura intercepted the movement, threading their fingers instead, “what's an overnight bag?”
“Just a bag full of things that you use when away from home for a short while. Y'know, pyjamas, toothbrush, face wash. The essentials.” Nirei listed, subconsciously swinging their joined hands.
Sakura hummed along, holding the rooftop door open for Nirei to step through, “is that what people usually do for sleepovers?” He asked earnestly.
Nirei gave a sheepish smile, “I'm not too sure,” he admitted as a blush tinted his cheeks, “nobody has ever invited me to stay over before… this is just what I've read in manga.”
Sakura tried not to frown at the admission, pushing the violent thoughts of beating up Nirei’s bullies to the back of his mind.
“Well, me neither,” the taller gave a small grin, “so we can figure it out together.”