The stairs creaked under Akeno's careful steps.
Gracie could be up there… Akeno's stomach tightened. Should I go up?
Her hesitation lingered. But… she might not like me wandering around… Still, curiosity tugged harder than caution, and she climbed.
Upstairs was dim, the only light spilling from a half-open window at the top of the stairs. There was just enough space to move before a row of doors came into view. One stood slightly ajar, a soft glow slipping through the crack.
This must be Gracie's room… Akeno whispered in her head. This is a door, right? Like the one she opened earlier.
She reached for the handle. Just pull—
Her hand froze. Wait… won't Gracie dislike it if I enter without permission? She's that kind of person. Yeah… I've met others like her.
Akeno knocked softly. "Hey… Gracie? Can I come in?"
Silence.
For a moment she thought no one was there. Then, the faint shuffle of hurried footsteps — barely audible, but enough. Someone was definitely inside.
A calm voice followed. "Come in."
Without hesitation, Akeno pulled the handle. The door creaked open. Inside, Gracie sat at the foot of her bed.
"You want something?" Gracie asked flatly.
"Oh, I just, um…" Akeno scratched at the back of her neck. "I wanted to see you."
Gracie's expression didn't shift. "And that's it? Hm. Well, now you've seen me. Looks like your job's done."
Akeno blinked, flustered. She's not happy I'm here… "I mean, like—talk to you. Sort of."
Gracie exhaled through her nose, leaning back against the bedframe. "So that's what you mean. Social interaction."
As she spoke, her hand absently smoothed over the bed sheet. Akeno's eyes caught on the detail — the sheet was perfectly neat everywhere… except near the head of the bed, where it was crumpled and uneven, barely covering the mattress.
Gracie stood and leaned against the top of the bedframe, arms resting there. "…Say what you want. Questions, small talk, whatever. Just be quick."
Yeah, she really isn't the type for a proper conversation.
"Okay, so, Gracie… I wanted to ask, uh…" Akeno's thoughts scrambled. What should I even ask? Guess I can't make a proper conversation either. "So… first of all, why did you let me stay here?"
Her eyes shone with genuine curiosity.
Gracie went quiet, staring back at her. Akeno shifted under the silence, waiting. Gracie's lips parted for a moment, but no words came.
"I mean," Akeno rushed to fill the gap, "it's not normal, is it? Letting a stranger stay. Or even live with you. Most people wouldn't."
Gracie gave the smallest shake of her head.
"I'm grateful, really," Akeno added quickly. "But… I can't help having doubts."
Gracie seemed to think for a moment, eyes cast to the floor. Then she looked back up. "Is that all you want to know—"
"No, there's more, actually. I also want to know—" Akeno cut in.
Gracie raised a hand. "Later. Not now." She waved her hand as if gently shooing Akeno away.
Akeno nodded and quietly stepped back, keeping her eyes on Gracie as she walked toward the door.
"Oy."
Akeno froze.
Gracie stepped forward a few paces, her voice softer than before. "Aren't you tired? I know you probably ran a long way to get here."
Her tone carried a small, almost hidden concern. "Those bruises… they're not old. Stop wandering around and go rest. On the couch."
With that, Gracie closed the door. The click of the lock followed.
Standing there, Akeno realized something odd. For some reason, she didn't feel tired. I'm… fine. Even though I traveled a long way from… home.
Her fist clenched instinctively. "Tch," she muttered.
After a moment, she headed back downstairs to the couch she'd been on before. Sitting down, she hugged her knees, pressing her forehead against them.
I just want to forget about it.
Her eyes closed, but her thoughts buzzed too loudly. She thought about the rooms upstairs, still unexplored, but didn't move. She inhaled slowly, trying to calm herself — yet her curiosity refused to let her rest.