“I don’t think the rain’s  going to stop anytime soon. You should spend the night here. I don’t want you catching a cold, you have work now after all.” 

“Can I really? Where’s uncle anyway?” 

“He’s out on a business trip for a week so rest assured that you won’t  be killed by him tonight.” Yukino laughed. 

Yukino went upstairs to grab something. She came down holding a mattress and a pair of pillows. 

“Here, you sleep on the ground and I’ll sleep on the couch.” 

Yukino looked at me for a while before handing me the mattress and the pillows. 

“What? Are you perhaps disappointed that you won’t be sleeping in my room?” 

“As if!” 

Yukino turned off the lights as we went to our respective places before going to sleep. I couldn’t sleep a wink even after a few minutes had passed. It’s not about sleeping on the floor. It’s  the thought  that right beside me was the couch where my love interest is sleeping. In fact, the fact that I’m inside her  house is already freaking me out. I also wondered how much she trusts me if she were ready to let me stay the night. 

“You awake Aoi?” 

“Yeah” 

I was surprised that she hasn’t slept yet. I checked my phone and it was already 3:04 AM. Considering the time, I should probably skip morning classes tomorrow. 

“Do you have a morning lecture tomorrow?” Asked Yukino.

“I’ll skip.” 

“Oi! Lectures are still important just so you know.” 

“I’ll make it up to the professor next time.”

We were quiet for a few minutes so I decided to close my eyes to try and get some sleep. Until Yukino started talking again.

“I think I have an idea for the documentary thing we’re going to do.” 

“What is it? Do you not have a lecture  tomorrow morning? You should sleep.” 

“I’ll skip. Anyway, I  want to make a photobook and a mini movie with it.” 

Look at this girl, telling me to attend lectures when she’ll skip tomorrow. People should really follow their own advice. Including me.

“A mini movie huh? That’ll be interesting. Sure I guess. In one condition.”

“What is it?”

“Lend me a copy of both when you finish it.” I requested.

“Sure! I’ll make it so thick that I could smack it to your head.” 

“You’re getting a lot more violent Yukino.” 

“That just means that we’re getting a lot closer. I’m kidding! Of course I’ll lend you a copy.” 

That kind of had a good ring to my ears. I thought that I wouldn’t mind her getting more violent to an extent if that means that we’re getting a lot closer than before. But what a sign of closeness, couldn’t she be more gentler like any other girls? I’d really appreciate that. 

A few minutes later, I fell asleep. 

I woke up the next morning from the sound of kitchenware clanging. I checked the time and it was already 11:37 AM. I tidied up the place where I slept and made my way to where the sound was coming from. It was in the kitchen as I expected. I found Yukino in an apron cooking. I blushed  slightly at the sight of her cooking. She was beautiful even when cooking. I imagined if I could wake up everyday to the sound of her cooking. I slapped myself on the cheeks three times to wake me up from my absurd daydream. 

“Where should I put the mattress and the pillows?” Asked I.

“Oh, you’re awake. Just bring it back to my room. Come back down right after. Meal’s almost done. Now that you’re here, you ought to try my cooking at least once.” 

I returned the mattress and pillows to her room and made my way back. I sat by the kitchen aisle as I waited for the dish she’s making. I can smell the aroma from the pan just right in front of me. Judging from the aroma, I think I already know what she’s  making. It might be one of my favorites. 

She served the plates as she sat directly in front of me across the other side of the kitchen aisle. I was right. It was egg and waffles. And by the looks of it, I think it’s done pretty well. 

“You’re a good cook.” 

“I know.  That’s why I’m looking forward to waking up early today. I get to boast about my cooking skills today hehe.” Said Yukino with a smug face. 

“It’s a shame you haven’t tried mine. The rest already did.” 

I found her cute when her smug face was quickly replaced with a pout after I said those words. I laughed as I was able to tease her after she was acting so proud.

“Anyway, thank you for letting me stay. I’ll get going now. I have lectures in the afternoon. I’ll bring the clothes back tomorrow! I’ll see you around.” 

“Sure! Take care Aoi.” 

Yukino waved at me before closing the front door. I walked my way back to my apartment. Thankfully, it wasn’t raining today. But the sun isn’t out either, rather it was cloudy,  so I bet that it will rain later in the afternoon.

I’m supposed to meet with Haruto later since he wanted me to proofread his novel entry for the upcoming competition. I already submitted my draft which was the 25 chapters I did during the past week, but I won’t know until next week if my work will pass the first screening. 

Haruto as a writer is much more than I expected from him. He’s really good at writing mysteries with a much higher technicality than me. I wonder how he managed to learn all of the details needed to write one with such accuracy. Despite his goofy personality, who is usually talkative, he’s  a really good writer. I bet that if his readers knew his personality, they would be surprised how he wrote those books. 

I quickly prepared for school and took a bath after I finished washing uncle’s  clothes that Yukino lent me last night. I went to school using my bike. I was already absent from my morning lectures, I don’t want to be late for the afternoon ones.