A couple days had passed, and the two had gotten into a bit of a routine. Shiho would do her errands and watch Haro, Rei would come home and make dinner. They would flirt but never go further and eventually go their separate ways, repeat…
Of course, all things must come to an end. Today, Agasa was coming home from the conference, so it would be Shiho's last day of dog sitting Haro. The day started off well, with Shiho receiving an unexpected call.
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"Too stiff, too casual…." Shiho sighed as she sorted through her clothes.
She got an interview with Haido Hospital as a clinical assistant. Although she had worked in labs since she was thirteen, this was going to be her very first job interview.
"More than the clothes, what am I gonna say?" She gulped. She immediately went to watch interview videos and read advice forums. It was only 2 days away, after all.
After about an hour, her studying came to halt when she heard a familiar knock outside.
"Morning Shiho…" Rei said as she opened the door.
She noticed some new bags under his eyes, along with a slight dullness to his normal complexion.
"Trouble sleeping?"
"Ah, is it that obvious?" Rei yawned. "I was up working on a new assignment."
"Lack of sleep can negatively affect your cognitive performance." She scolded as Haro leapt to her side. "So it's a little counter productive, don't you think?"
"You should tell my boss that." He chuckled. "Maybe you can write me a doctor's note."
"Well, I'd have to examine you first." She smirked, tugging on his suit collar.
He brought his face down to her level. "Think you could squeeze me in right now?"
Little did he know that she was already examining him. The way his blond hair delicately fell over his deep blue eyes and tan skin, the form of his lips shifting to one side as he smirked, and the lines of his figure peeking through his suit…It was intoxicating.
Rei had a nice scent. It was soothing like the ocean, and something a little sweet and fresh… was that bergamot? Shiho couldn't keep thinking about it. It was her turn to either continue the game or press pause.
Part of her wanted to just pull him in and finally get a taste, but another part of her was nervous. If she didn't hold back, surely she'd fall deep. And if that ever happened, she knew she'd never want to come up for air.
'If you said yes right now, I think I'd melt…' Rei thought, keeping a cool face.
The two looked at each other as if they were asking one another to be the brave one. However, it didn't seem like it was going to be that way today
"Unfortunately, I've got lots to do today." She shrugged as she turned away. "See you later!"
Rei nodded as he left. 'It's for the best, I guess.'
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Shiho went back to her computer to finish prepping for her interview. Before turning it back on, she glanced at her reflection in the dark screen.
"Coward…" She mumbled to herself.
Shiho read up on the internet for awhile, on one part about how to have a successful interview, and on one part keeping updated on Ryusuke Higo news. Hey, it's what they call work life balance right?
Her eyes started to feel strained after a couple hours, so she decided to sit outside while Haro enjoyed running on the front lawn. The sunlight felt good on her skin as a cool breeze gently ran through her hair.
'Peaceful days like this…how many more are there for me?'
Haro suddenly jumped into her lap, begging for a belly rub, which Shiho happily obliged.
"I'm gonna miss watching you, but I might be starting work soon…" Shiho smiled sadly. "I can't spend every day like this after all… When reality hits, will he and I grow apart?"
Sensing a change in her mood, Haro playfully began licking her hand.
"Ok, ok!" She giggled.
As the two played outside, Shiho received a text from Rei about what he needed for dinner today, and it looked like they had everything already, but…
'He looked pretty tired, maybe I should cook today?' She thought to herself.
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Shiho decided to remake the same meal she made for Agasa last time, since he praised it so well. She speed-walked back home from the grocery store, wanting to get back to Haro and cook, but she walked backwards a fews steps once she passed the local bakery. She recognized one of the designs as the same chocolate caramel cake she caught Agasa hiding last time.
"I guess we can make an exception today…" She hummed as she went inside to purchase a couple slices.
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"My name is Miyano Shiho, I'm interested in the position because…" she mumbled to herself as she stirred the pot. She played Yoko Okino in the background to help her feel a bit more calm.
After she finished cooking, Shiho went back to her room to practice for her interview. She sat in bed with a notepad and pencil, with Haro by her side. She jotted down topics that might come up, along with what she should say to impress the interviewer. As impressive as developing a drug along with its antidote is, she'd have to rework it into something more…believable.
She spent the rest of the afternoon listing everything she'd done. It was a little strange, trying to paint her old experiences in a more positive light. Shiho put her things down after she finished writing. She laid down, staring up at the ceiling while Haro slept.
'Everything's different now… I'm safe, I have a home… I'm happy…I'm normal…' Her eyes gently closed as she fell deep asleep.
...
Shiho had just come home from work. Her keys jingled as she unlocked the front door, with her Higo keychain tapping against the metal.
"Hakase, I'm back!" She called out, with no answer.
"Hakase…?" She looked around, but there was no sign of him. She tried giving him a call, but the service was disconnected.
Shiho went over to the Kudo's house, hoping to find him next was no answer from them either when she knocked on the door. She peeked through the window, but it looked deserted. It was dark, and the furniture was disheveled.
She started to feel panicked, so she ran over to Rei's house. However, there was no luck there either. Shiho decided to turn around and go back home, only to be dumbfounded by the scenery behind her. Everything had vanished! The trees, the homes, even the clouds. It was all just…blank.
Shiho turned back around, and everything else had disappeared there too, except for Rei's front door. She tried to turn the knob, but it was locked.
She tried knocking again. "Rei, are you there? Hakase? Kudo-kun?" She desperately started banging her fist against the door. "No…"
Suddenly, the image of Akemi's smile flashed before her eyes.
"Please, don't take them away!" She cried out, banging even harder.
"Don't…don't go…"
She gave up and sat down in front of the door, but she could still hear the banging sound. Shiho placed her hands over her ears, frustrated and confused.
BANG BANG BANG
...
"Shiho, are you home?" Rei called out as he knocked. 'Strange, I can hear Haro at the door… Maybe she went out?'
Rei tried knocking one more time, waking her up.
Shiho jumped up in surprise, looking around her room. She broke out in a cold sweat, relieved to see that it was just a bad dream. She threw herself out of bed and rushed to get the door, as if something bad would happen if she wasn't fast enough.
"Rei…" Shiho sighed as she saw him standing before her.
"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost." Rei tilted his head, surprised by her disheveled look.
"I-it's nothing! I was just taking a nap." She yawned, quickly turning away as he entered the house.
"Mm, something smells good! What is that?" He asked as he pet Haro.
"Oh, I made dinner already." Shiho shrugged. "I had some free time, so…"
Rei walked up to her, taking hold of her hands. This sudden action made her feel a bit flustered.
"A-and Hakase is coming home later today, so I wanted to make his favorite."
He lifted both her hands, examining her fingers. "No burns this time." He smiled. "You're getting better…"
Shiho quickly swiped her hands back. "He's going to be home a bit later, so we don't have to wait for him."
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They enjoyed their meal and talked about the usual stuff. Their day, the news, average things, rinse and repeat.
After eating, Rei got up to make some tea for them, while Shiho grabbed a slice of cake and two small plates.
"I can't usually have too many sweets around, it'd be too tempting for Hakase…" She chuckled. "But no harm in it every now and then, right?"
"That's true." He smiled. "Say, what's your favorite kind of cake, Shiho?" Rei tried to ask as nonchalantly as possible as he carefully set down the teacups, not wanting to miss the opportunity.
"Hmm… something with lots of berries, like chantilly." She said as she cut the slice into two pieces.
"Chantilly, huh…" He smiled, satisfied he was able to get all the info he needed. They enjoyed dessert together, although the atmosphere felt more stiff than usual.
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The two sat on the couch while Haro relaxed on the carpet, watching television for a little bit.
Rei glanced over at Shiho, breaking the silence between them.
"So, are you going to tell me now?"
"Tell you… what?"
"Shiho, I can tell something's bothering you. Come on, out with it!"
She played with her nails as she looked away. "I, uh… I have a job interview in a couple days."
Rei excitedly sat up straight. "That's great! Are you nervous about the interview?"
"A bit, but it's not that that's making me so nervous." She sighed. "Everything is changing so fast, and it's going so well lately… I feel like it's going to get taken away at any moment."
He recognized the sad look on her face all too well. It was one he donned often when no one was around. It was an awful feeling.
"You and I both know…" Rei whispered as he guided her to face him. "What it means to have everything disappear. So I won't say it can't happen again."
"But Shiho… despite everything, we were able to find each other." He smiled, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. "If that doesn't mean miracles are possible, I don't know what does. Everything is going to be okay, I'm sure of it."
As he was about to pull away, Shiho placed her hand over his, making it cup her cheek.
"Does it really feel that way? Being here, together…"
"Shiho…" Rei paused for a moment, affectionately rubbing his thumb. He shifted his body to move in closer, gripping the couch arm behind her. "You're my miracle…"
Shiho took in a breath, noticing the look in Rei's eyes change. Her cheeks tinted pink as she started to lean in as well, closing her eyes.
'Please don't pull away. I won't either this time, I promise…'
…
"I'M HOME!" A voice suddenly sang as the door swung open.
Shiho quickly shoved Rei, startled by the sound.
"Huh?!" Agasa gasped as he let his suitcase fall over.
"Furuya-san…"
Rei took a gulp, unsure of what Agasa might have seen.
"Your puppy is so cute!" He exclaimed as the small white dog ran up to Agasa, licking his face. "His name is Haro, right?"
"Ah…yes! This is Haro!" Rei chuckled.
"By the way , what are you doing on the floor?"
"Well, you know how dogs are…Haro likes to play like this, ha ha…"
Agasa titled his head over to look at Shiho, shifting his eyes between Rei and her, mouthing the words, 'Everything okay?'
Shiho sighed, giving a small thumbs up as Rei stood up.
Agasa smiled, putting a hand on Rei's shoulder. "Thanks for keeping Shiho-kun company, Furuya-san!" He leaned in close to whisper in his ear. "Were you able to secure that thing today?"
"Mm." Rei nodded. "I'll keep it at my place until it's time."
"What are you guys whispering about?" Shiho raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, nothing!" Rei smiled as he grabbed Haro and his things. "I better head home now, have a good night you two!"
Agasa waved goodbye, putting on a serious look when the door closed.
"Shiho-kun, be honest with me…"
"Hm? What is it?"
"I can see it on your lips…"
"Eh?" Shiho got nervous, did he really see her and Rei earlier?
"You had that cake I like, didn't you!" He whined. "There's a little frosting on your lip."
"…Yes! I did, there's a slice for you in the fridge. There's also some dinner on the stove if you haven't eaten yet."
"Really? Wow, you are spoiling me, Shiho-kun!" Agasa smiled as he went over to the kitchen.
Agasa began talking about his time at the conference, but Shiho couldn't hear a thing over the sound of her heart pounding.
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Meanwhile, Rei was in his car driving home. As he sat at the traffic light, he glanced in the mirror. He couldn't hold it back anymore. His face was so flushed, one would mistake it for sunstroke were it not the evening already.
"Ha…" He let out a sigh. "I thought another miracle was going to happen just now…"
