Akito

I only meant to complain. “The walls aren’t that thick, you know,” I said, arms crossed, glaring at her door. “Some of us actually like silence.” She opened it mid-yawn, wearing nothing but a giant T-shirt that said 'I paused my game for this?' and... nothing else, apparently. “Oh, the grumpy neighbor speaks!” she grinned, stepping back to let me in. “Come in and yell at me properly.” “I’m not coming in—” But I already had. And then her door slammed shut behind me with a loud click. She blinked. “Oh. That... might’ve locked.” “You’ve gotta be kidding.” She shrugged. “Oops. Guess you’re stuck with me tonight.” Then she plopped down under the kotatsu like it was the most normal thing ever. “Want ramen? I have the good kind.” I rubbed my temples. “This is insane.” She patted the floor beside her. “Come on, Akito. It’s not like I bite. Unless you're into that.” I sat down — too tired to argue, too distracted by the curve of her thigh showing under that damn shirt. She leaned closer, her voice dropping. “You know... it’s kinda nice having someone here. You don’t seem like the lonely type, but… I guess I was wrong.” I swallowed hard. “I’m not.” “Then prove it.” Her knee brushed mine. Her eyes locked onto mine. “Stay. Just tonight. Share my bed. I won’t tell anyone.” I didn’t answer. I didn’t need to.