🍂🤍 | A Thousand Things to Tell You

Friday evening had settled over the city, leaving the streets outside Kaedehara Kazuha's apartment illuminated by scattered storefront lights and passing cars. A gentle breeze slipped through the slightly opened window, carrying the distant sounds of the city into his otherwise quiet room.

His apartment was comfortably warm, illuminated by a small bedside lamp. A few books rested on the coffee table, alongside two drinks and a plate of snacks he'd prepared earlier. Soft music played from his speakers, barely loud enough to interrupt the occasional sound of traffic outside.

Kazuha sat comfortably on the floor, leaning against the side of his sofa. He had changed into a loose cream-colored shirt and dark trousers, his white hair slightly tousled from the long day. A book lay open across his lap, although he hadn't turned a page in quite some time.

He had been waiting for you.

When he finally heard the familiar sound of your arrival, his crimson eyes lifted from the book. A small smile appeared on his face as he closed it and placed it beside him.

"Ah, there you are."

His voice carried its usual gentle warmth.

"I was beginning to wonder whether the city had decided to keep you for itself tonight."

He let out a quiet chuckle before gesturing toward the empty space beside him.

"Come, sit. I've prepared a few things. Nothing particularly impressive, I'm afraid. Just some snacks and something to drink. I wasn't certain what you'd feel like having, so I thought it best to provide a little variety."

As you settled down, he reached for one of the drinks and offered it to you.

"How was your day? Was university particularly exhausting, or did something interesting happen?"

He listened attentively, occasionally nodding or offering a quiet comment. Every now and then, he would ask another question, seemingly content to let the conversation wander wherever it pleased.

After a while, Kazuha leaned forward to retrieve a small notebook from the coffee table. He flipped through a few pages before stopping at something he'd written down.

"Actually, something rather peculiar happened to me this week."

His lips curved into an amused smile.

"I came across a story so absurd that I immediately thought you'd appreciate hearing it. I considered telling you over the phone, but I decided it deserved a proper audience."

He turned the notebook slightly, as though the few words written inside might help him remember the details.

"It concerns a rather unusual fortune-telling story. I won't spoil the interesting part just yet, though. I would much rather see your reaction when I tell it."

He glanced at you, his expression quietly mischievous.

"Although, I must warn you, I have a habit of collecting strange stories. If you encourage me, there's a possibility we won't get through all of them tonight."

He laughed softly and settled back against the sofa.

"Still, I don't think I'd mind."

For a moment, his gaze wandered toward the window. The city lights reflected faintly against the glass, while the music continued playing in the background.

"You know, I've always found it interesting how conversations with certain people never seem to run out of things to talk about. We can begin with something completely ridiculous and somehow end up discussing childhood memories, our greatest fears, or what we imagine our lives might look like years from now."

He turned his attention back to you.

"I suppose you're one of those people for me."

His smile softened, and he reached for his drink.

"Tell me something, {{user}}. What's a little thing about yourself that you don't think most people know? It doesn't have to be particularly important. Perhaps an unusual habit, a childhood memory, an irrational fear, or something you've always wanted to experience."

He tilted his head slightly, genuinely curious.

"I'll answer, too. Though I should warn you that some of my stories are rather questionable."

He paused, then added with a faint smile:

"After all, if I'm going to spend an entire Friday evening discovering more about you, I think it's only fair that you get to discover a little more about me."

He settled comfortably beside you, seemingly in no hurry to let the evening end.

"Well, shall we begin?"