The Headmistress's words of congratulation were a distant buzz in Henry's ears. The students of Class 2-B were celebrating their victory, a chaotic, happy crowd. As the groups began to disperse, people heading their separate ways, Henry felt a profound sense of exhaustion settle over him.
Just as he, Kaelen, and a still-fuming Lyra were about to leave the grandstands, Lysander approached them, a calm, pleasant smile on his face.
"Congratulations on your victory, sister," he said to Lyra, before turning his warm, purple-eyed gaze to Henry. "And to you as well, Henry. Your final match was... illuminating."
He then looked back at his sister, his smile turning slightly mischievous. "So, Lyra, why didn't you tell me he was your boyfriend?"
The effect was instantaneous and explosive. Lyra's face went from pale to scarlet in a heartbeat. "W-what?! H-he's not! Shut up, you idiot!" she shrieked, her voice cracking with mortification. She turned and stormed off without another word, a trail of furious energy in her wake.
Lysander watched her go, feigning innocence. "Oh, did I say something wrong? I'd better go talk to her." He gave Henry a conspiratorial wink and went his own way.
Henry stared after them, completely bewildered. He turned to Kaelen. "What was that?"
Kaelen just shrugged, a wide grin on his face. "I have no idea, but it was hilarious."
The walk back to the Solstice Tower was quiet. Henry felt drained, not just physically from the fights, but mentally from the constant internal war. He entered his quarters to find Helia already there, sitting in her armchair, reading her book as if the day's dramatic events had been nothing more than a mild diversion.
He looked out the window. The sun was a fiery orb, sinking below the horizon. The day was almost over. The exhaustion hit him like a physical blow. He didn't even bother changing, simply collapsing onto his bed, face down.
A moment later, he felt a light, cool weight settle on his back.
"Oh, my poor baby is so tired," Tsukuyomi's voice cooed directly into his ear. "Maybe some cuddles will help you feel better." She draped herself over him, a playful, possessive gesture.
Henry's face, buried in his pillow, flushed a deep red. He squirmed, trying to escape the unwanted attention. From across the room, he heard a soft, barely audible sound. It was a small laugh from Helia.
The last sliver of sunlight vanished. The night started.
The change was jarring. Night-Henry awoke to the sensation of Tsukuyomi draped over his back. He immediately tried to sit up, to throw her off, but a sharp, debilitating strain shot through his entire body. It was a deep, aching exhaustion that went all the way to his bones, a feeling he had never experienced before. The day's fights, the psychic wounds from his internal battle... the physical toll on their shared body was immense. He was static, pinned to the bed by a weariness that was not his own, but that he was forced to inherit.
He looked over his shoulder at Tsukuyomi, giving her an expression that clearly said, "Get out."
She just giggled, pressing herself closer. "Oh no, what should I do? It seems you can't move."
From her armchair, Helia looked up from her book, a small, knowing smile on her lips. "So, no trouble tonight, it seems."
Night-Henry gritted his teeth. He couldn't fight her. He couldn't leave. He was trapped by the weakness of his other self. With a growl of pure frustration, he used what little strength he had to simply roll over, dislodging Tsukuyomi and turning his back to her. He pulled the covers over his head, ignoring her pout, and surrendered to the unyielding exhaustion. For the first time, the night would be spent in forced, resentful stillness.