The night is fallen softly after the movie night. Everyone in the house was finally setting down to sleep.The living room light were dim , sleeping bags stretched across the floor like patchwork quilt of laughter and popcorn crumbs. Liam had made sure everyone had a pillow and blanket before heading of her room.
Ethan lay on his side in this makeshift bed, trying to fall asleep but, something kept him awake. It wasn't just the change in time zone,or hum of unfamiliar house it was something else.
Across from him, Aiko was also awake. she turned slightly, noticing Ethan's eyes open.
"Hey", she whispered. "Can't sleep"?
"Not really", Ethan reply quietly."Too much on mind."
There was a pause.
"wanna go to get a coffee?" Aiko asked , sitting up slowly.
Ethan nodded ,grateful for the company.
They moved quitely to the kitchen, carefully not to wake others. Aiko leaned against the counter as Ethan made them both mug of warm coffee. The air was cooler now, the house quite.
"Let's go to the balcony", Aiko
suggested."lt's better than setting here in a dark".
Outside the city lights blinked in the distance. They leaned on the railing, shipping their coffee staying nothing for a moment. They thought they were alone but- from inside Kaito stirred in his blanket,opening one eye . He saw them standing out there, but didn't say anything.He just smile to himself, then back over to the sleep.
"I don't usually do this,"Aiko said softly her voice barely above the wind . " Talk to people. I mean....not like this."
"Me neither", Ethan admitted."Back home,l don't have many friends . It's hard sometimes."
"Same ", Aiko nodded." I mean ... I have one . Just one .But sometimes, l feel like even she doesn't fully get me."
They both laughed ligltly, the shared feelling making them a little more to ease. The silence that followed wasn't awkward - it was gentle.
They talked more after that.
Not deep. Not dramatic
Just things like favourite foods, the weirdest school moment , favourite foods films. Small things that slowly made the quiet space between them feel warmer.
At one point, their eyes met . Just for a second.
They both look looked away - smiling, awkward.
They didn't say it, not yet.
Between in that quite moment
Between between Laughter and silence..
They both knew.
As the finish their coffee Ethan look towards the dark so silhouette of the abandoned house beyond the balcony.
"l still keep thinking about that place," he said.
Aiko hesitate. Then, in a lower voice she saying," don't tell anyone but.. I heard something about it . Some people say it cursed."
Ethan blinked." Cursed."
She nodded slowly."That's why no one really talks about it .lt's not just old . There's something wrong with it".They both stared out at the house.
It stood there silently, like it had been waiting.