Pixels and Reality 3
After dinner, Shyam returned to their shared room, only to find Raitha already asleep.
The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light on her peaceful face. She looked so serene, so different from the energetic streamer he had known for weeks.
His heart pounded. His mind raced.
"If I sleep right next to her… I might do something I shouldn't."
Shyam shook his head, trying to silence his own thoughts. "No, no, no. It's just two nights. I can sleep on the floor."
Determined to keep himself in check, he grabbed a spare blanket, laid it out on the floor, and forced himself to sleep.
---
The Next Morning
As the first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains, Raitha's voice gently woke him up.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked.
Shyam stretched, yawning. "Barely… but I should be fine for today's adventure."
Raitha chuckled. "Good to see my viewer being so energetic. Let's see if I can learn some new things about you today." A playful smile spread across her lips.
With that, they had breakfast and set out for their planned journey.
---
They wandered through parks, explored shrines, and tried out local restaurants, fully immersing themselves in Japan's beauty.
With every step, every shared laugh, Shyam felt himself getting pulled deeper into this moment—into her.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they made their way back to the hotel.
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The Last Night in Japan
Back at the hotel, they had dinner before Shyam decided to take a bath. The warm water helped ease his thoughts, but only for a moment.
When he returned to the room, he noticed something different.
Raitha wasn't asleep.
"Strange… she was asleep early yesterday."
He sighed and sat on the bed, trying to clear his mind. But the moment he closed his eyes, his thoughts betrayed him again.
"No, stop. She can never be mine. There are too many reasons for that. So brain, please… don't think about her like that."
As if on cue, the door suddenly creaked open.
Before Shyam could stand up, a sha—
---
To be continued...