Arora's blinked, sitting up and glancing groggily around the dark room. She reached toward the nightstand, fumbling for her phone. Finding it, she clicked the power button and checked the time; 5am. She sighed. It had only been an hour since she woke from her last nightmare. She stretched her arms above her head, stretching her back, and fell back into the pillows. She looked to her left, where Kyoya was sleeping, his back to her. She rolled over onto her side, reaching out and brushing her fingers over his shoulder blade; he was warm, and his presence was comforting.
He rolled over suddenly, and she snatched her hand back with a gasp. His eyes cracked open and he stared blearily at her. He blinked slowly. He reached for her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her to his chest.
"K-Kyoya?" she whispered, feeling her face heat up.
"Mmmf," he mumbled, pressing his face against the top of her head.
She giggled and wrapped her arm around his waist.
"You're so cute when you're half-asleep," she whispered.
"Nnggbf."
He tightened his grip on her. She smiled.
She slept through the rest of the night.
"Kyoya?"
Arora sat up and looked around; Kyoya was gone. The space he had once occupied was still slightly warm, so he hadn't been gone too long. She grabbed her phone, checking the time—2pm—and slid out of bed. She adjusted her—Kyoya's—shirt and ran her fingers through her hair, then made her way out of his room. She padded down the stairs and through the house.
She found him in the dining room with his father. She peered through the doorway, and his father immediately locked eyes with her. She maintained eye contact, but made no move to enter the room. Kyoya glanced back at her and quickly rose to his feet.
"Arora."
He briskly made his way over to her, and she smiled up at him.
"Morning, Kyoya."
"Morning," he smiled slightly. "Hana went to purchase a change of clothes for you—she should be back s—"
"Kyoya" his father interrupted, "it's rude not to introduce your friends to your father."
Kyoya took a deep breath and put a hand on Arora's back, guiding her into the room.
"Father, this is Arora Dawn Callidora Chivalier. Arora, this is my father, Yoshio Ootori."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Arora said, bowing slightly.
"Likewise. Tell me, Miss Chivalier, do you make it a habit to walk around men's houses in their t-shirts?"
"No, sir," she replied evenly, smiling and standing straight, head held high. "I was caught in the storm last night, so Kyoya graciously loaned me a shirt.
"I see. Am I to assume you spent the night with him, then?"
"Is that a problem, sir?"
A smile flickered across his lips—small, brief, nearly imperceptible.
"No, it's not a problem—it's merely shameless."
"If I felt shame over something, sir, then I wouldn't do it," she said.
"You don't worry what others might say?"
"If you outwardly manifest feelings of guilt, people will presume that you are guilty; likewise, if you manifest confidence and surety, people will view you as steadfast and strong."
"So you're saying that as long as you don't act guilty, no one will think you've done anything wrong."
"Most people won't even realize the possibility. Some may imagine that things may have happened, but no one of social importance will make accusations without evidence, lest they risk tarnishing their own reputation. As I've done nothing scandalous—only something that hints at a potential scandal—there is no hard evidence to be had. And beyond that, such 'scandalous' things are common among our peers. Even with evidence, no one would be particularly concerned."
Yoshio smiled. He picked up his coffee cup and leaned back in his chair, taking a sip. A beat of silence passed, and Kyoya once again pressed his hand against Arora's back. This time, he led her out of the room.
Back in his room, Kyoya closed the door and leaned against it, staring down at the ground in silence. After several moments of silence, Arora stepped closer to him and put her hand on his arm.
"Kyo?" she spoke softly.
"He seemed impressed," Kyoya whispered. "I think he likes you."
"That's a good thing, right?"
Kyoya looked up at her, a complex expression on his face. After staring into her eyes for a moment, he smiled.
"Well, it's not a bad thing. But you're likely to be brought into his schemes."
"If he likes me, then he won't try to force us apart," she said, sliding her hand down his arm to his hand. "As long as I can be by your side, then I don't care what manipulations he tries to impose on me."
His eyes widened in surprise, and she smiled sheepishly.
"I know it sounds cheesy," she said, "but that's how I honestly feel."
He smiled. He squeezed her hand, bringing his other hand up to cup her cheek. He pressed his lips to hers—the kiss was brief, but tender.
She smiled.