(Kiyomi's POV).
The sun was barely up when I woke. A soft orange glow slipped through my curtains, landing on Hinata's sleeping face beside me. For a moment, I just lay there, listening to the quiet hum of the morning — the ticking clock, the faint chirp of birds outside, and the muffled breathing of my friends across the hall.
But beneath the peace, something felt… heavier.
That kind of silence that follows after too much had been said — or almost said.
I sat up, rubbing my eyes. My mind went straight to last night — Minato in the kitchen, the way he leaned in close, his voice whispering through the air, the warmth in his smile before he walked away.
My chest still fluttered at the memory.
But then came the guilt — Akio's question, Hinata's watchful eyes, Asahi's sudden appearance at the door.
I didn't know what last night meant anymore.
When I went downstairs, Ayumi was already making breakfast — scrambled eggs, toast, and tea. She smiled when she saw me.
Ayumi: Morning, sleepyhead. How was your little sleepover?
Kiyomi:(Trying to sound normal) Fun, I guess. Just... loud.
She laughed, then she turned back to the pan.
From the hallway, I heard slow footsteps — Minato's. He walked in, hair still messy from sleep, wearing the same hoodie from last night. Our eyes met for barely a second before he looked away, greeting Ayumi politely.
Minato: Morning.
Ayumi: Morning, Minato. Did you sleep well?
Minato: Yeah. Kind of.
Kind of.
That single word hit harder than I expected.
He didn't even glance my way again.
I wanted to say something — anything — but the air between us felt like glass, fragile and uncertain.
A few minutes later, Akio and Asahi joined us. Hinata came down last, yawning, her hair still a mess but somehow still looking perfect.
We all gathered around the dining table, and the silence felt… different.
Not awkward. Just crowded — with everything unsaid.
Akio: (Stretching his arms) So… no one's gonna talk about last night?
Hinata:(Dryly) What's there to talk about?
Akio: You tell me.
Their eyes met briefly — sharp, unreadable. Hinata looked away first, pretending to reach for the butter.
Asahi watched them both, his expression unreadable, though I could tell his mind was somewhere else.
I didn't miss the way his gaze sometimes lingered on Minato — quiet, cautious, like he was piecing together something invisible.
After breakfast, Ayumi left for errands, and we all settled in the living room.
Akio switched on the TV, but no one was really watching. Hinata was scrolling through her phone. Minato sat at the far end of the couch, lost in thought.
I decided to take a walk outside — I needed air. But as I opened the door, I heard footsteps behind me.
It was Minato.
Minato: You going out?
Kiyomi:(Turning to him) Yeah. Just… need to think.
Minato:(Softly) Mind if I join?
I didn't trust my voice enough to say yes, so I just nodded.
We walked silently down the quiet street, the morning breeze brushing through the trees. His hand occasionally brushed mine — accidentally, I told myself — but every touch sent sparks through me.
After a while, he spoke.
Minato: You've been quiet since last night.
Kiyomi: So have you.
Minato: Guess we're both thinking too much.
I looked up at him. His eyes looked tired, softer than usual. For a second, I wanted to ask what was wrong — but I stopped myself. There was something fragile about him lately, like he was holding something together with trembling hands.
Back at home, Asahi was sitting outside, leaning against the wall, lost in his own thoughts.
When Minato went inside, Asahi called out softly.
Asahi: Hey, Minato.
Minato turned, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Asahi:(Quietly) I saw what happened last night.
Minato:(Still calm) And?
Asahi: Nothing. Just… be careful.
Minato: Of what?
Asahi:(Hesitates) Yourself, maybe.
Minato's smile was faint but sad.
Minato: You worry too much, Asahi.
Then he walked away, leaving Asahi staring after him — confused, maybe even a little scared.
Later that afternoon, Hinata sat in the backyard, headphones in, sketching something in her notebook.
Asahi joined her, leaning over curiously.
Asahi: What are you drawing?
Hinata:(Smiling faintly) Just lines. It's easier than explaining feelings.
Asahi: You always draw when you're sad.
Hinata: And you always notice.
There was a quiet pause. Their eyes met — not long, but long enough for something real to pass between them.
That's when Akio walked out, holding two cups of juice. He stopped when he saw them, their faces close, Hinata laughing softly.
The air froze for a second.
Akio:(Forcing a smile) You guys look cozy.
Hinata: Oh– it's not–
Akio:(Interrupting) Relax, I'm joking.
He laughed — but his eyes didn't.
That evening, after everyone had gone home, I stood by the window, watching the sky turn a deep violet. The house was quiet again. Too quiet.
So much had changed — and I could feel it.
The small cracks, the shifting lines between us all.
Hinata and Akio drifting apart.
Asahi watching everything like he was trying to solve a mystery.
Minato and I… floating somewhere between love and something that scared me.
I closed my eyes and whispered his name under my breath.
Minato.
The word felt warm — and heavy.