Sam lay on Mahiru's couch, staring at the ceiling as the sound of raindrops drummed steadily against the window. The storm outside showed no signs of slowing, with the occasional flash of lightning momentarily illuminating the darkened apartment.
Wrapped in the blanket Mahiru had given him, he shifted, trying to find a comfortable position. It's not bad… but definitely not as good as my bed.
From the bedroom, he heard soft rustling sounds, followed by Mahiru's quiet footsteps approaching. A moment later, her head peeked over the couch.
"You're still awake?" she asked, her voice gentle in the dimly lit room.
Sam turned his head slightly, catching sight of her sleepy expression. "Can't sleep."
Mahiru sighed, stepping closer and settling down on the floor beside him. "The storm?"
"Partly. But also… I don't usually sleep anywhere besides my own bed."
Mahiru chuckled, resting her chin on her knees. "What, do you need a bedtime story or something?"
Sam smirked. "If you're offering."
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "I could put on some relaxing music if that helps?"
"Maybe," Sam muttered before exhaling. "But it's not just that."
Mahiru tilted her head. "Then what?"
Sam hesitated before answering, his voice quieter. "I guess… I'm just not used to staying at someone else's place like this. Even last time, when you were sick, I was too busy taking care of you to think about it."
Mahiru was quiet for a moment, then leaned slightly against the couch. "Well… for what it's worth, I'm glad you're here."
Sam blinked, turning his head fully toward her. "You are?"
She nodded, her gaze fixed on the window. "It's just… the storm, the rain, the way the wind howls—it makes the apartment feel emptier than usual. But knowing you're here… it makes it less lonely."
Sam felt warmth spread through his chest. He hadn't thought about how Mahiru might feel living alone during nights like this.
Without thinking, he reached out, ruffling her hair gently. "Guess I'll have to stay over more often, then."
Mahiru gasped, swatting his hand away. "D-Don't say stuff like that so casually!"
Sam laughed. "Why not? It's true."
Her face turned slightly pink, and she quickly stood up. "J-Just go to sleep already!"
Sam smirked. "Yes, ma'am."
Mahiru huffed but couldn't hide the small smile on her lips as she walked back to her room.
As she closed her door, she leaned against it, pressing a hand to her chest.
Why does he always say things that make my heart race…?
Meanwhile, Sam finally relaxed on the couch, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Maybe staying over wasn't so bad after all.
The storm raged on, its fury growing stronger with each passing moment. The heavy downpour drummed against the windows, and the howling wind sent an eerie chill through the apartment. Sam and Mahiru had barely started to drift off to sleep when—
BOOM!
A deafening clap of thunder shook the entire room.
Sam jolted awake, his heart pounding. The sudden flash of lightning lit up the space for a brief second before darkness swallowed it again.
And then—
CRASH!
The unmistakable sound of something falling echoed from the kitchen.
Sam stiffened, his breath hitching. What the hell was that?!
From inside her room, Mahiru gasped. "S-Sam…?" Her voice was small, trembling slightly.
"I-I'm here," Sam called back, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.
There was a brief pause before Mahiru slowly creaked her door open, peeking out cautiously. Her wide eyes scanned the room, her fear evident. "Did you hear that?"
Sam swallowed. "Y-Yeah… It came from the kitchen."
Mahiru clutched the edge of the doorframe, hesitant. "Could it be… a thief?"
Sam forced a nervous chuckle. "Doubt it. What kind of thief breaks into a house during a storm like this?"
Another sound—a faint rattling, like utensils shifting—sent a shiver down both their spines.
Without thinking, Mahiru darted toward Sam, gripping his sleeve tightly. "Let's check together," she whispered.
Sam gulped but nodded. "Y-Yeah… together."
Armed with nothing but a phone flashlight, they crept toward the kitchen, their steps slow and deliberate. Each creak of the floorboards made their nerves spike.
Sam raised the phone, casting a dim light over the kitchen. At first glance, nothing seemed out of place—until they noticed a few plates scattered on the floor and a fallen spoon near the sink.
Mahiru gasped. "S-Sam…"
"I see it," he whispered.
They stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do. Then—
BANG!
A cabinet door swung open on its own, slamming against the counter.
"AHHH!!"
Mahiru shrieked, leaping behind Sam, who nearly dropped his phone.
"HOLY—"
Panic took over, and without another thought, Sam grabbed Mahiru's hand and bolted toward the living room. Mahiru, equally terrified, ran alongside him, her grip on his hand like a vice.
The moment they reached the couch, they stopped, panting heavily.
Mahiru clung to Sam's arm, still trembling. "W-What was that?!"
Sam shook his head rapidly. "I-I don't know! Maybe the wind…?"
Another loud whoosh from outside made them both jump again.
Mahiru whimpered. "This is too scary…"
Sam exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Okay. We can't sleep like this. The living room feels too open, and I don't trust that kitchen anymore."
Mahiru nodded quickly. "T-Then where…?"
A beat of silence. Slowly, their gazes met.
Mahiru's face turned red. "N-No way. You can't mean—"
Sam groaned. "We have no choice. Your room is the safest place."
Mahiru hesitated, biting her lip. The idea of sharing her bed with Sam was… embarrassing. But right now? Her fear outweighed her embarrassment.
"…F-Fine," she mumbled, grabbing his wrist and dragging him toward her room.
Mahiru's bed was soft, warm, and usually the most comfortable spot in her apartment. But tonight, with Sam lying beside her, both facing the ceiling in awkward silence, it was anything but comfortable.
Mahiru curled up slightly, hugging a pillow. "You better not do anything weird," she muttered.
Sam rolled his eyes. "Like I'm in the mood for anything weird after that horror scene in the kitchen."
A brief silence. Then—
"…You're still awake, right?" Mahiru whispered.
"Yeah."
"Me too."
Sam sighed. "Guess neither of us can sleep, huh?"
Mahiru nodded. "Not when I feel like some ghost might show up at any second."
Sam groaned, turning to face her. "For the last time, it wasn't a ghost."
"Then you explain it!"
"…Wind?"
Mahiru huffed. "Lame excuse."
Another silence stretched between them.
Sam glanced at her, noticing how small she looked curled up like that. Without thinking, he reached out and gently patted her head.
"Hey."
Mahiru blinked. "What?"
"You're safe."
Her lips parted slightly, her heart skipping a beat. "…Idiot."
But she didn't push his hand away.
The storm continued outside, the wind howling and rain pouring relentlessly. But inside the dimly lit room, wrapped in each other's warmth, the fear from earlier slowly faded.
Sleep wouldn't come easily. But at least, tonight, they weren't alone.
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