Seiji was in his room. He lay in the dark in his pajamas, the glow of the phone on his face.
How did people live before phones? I'd be bored or go crazy at night.
He tried not to replay the day's rollercoaster in his mind. The high of the handjob in the shower, the low of Yumi's pullback. The itch for a fight at school. Ayame's gaze.
So much had happened in just one day—even too much. At least, too many lows for Seiji's taste.
A text blinked on the screen. From Yumi!
You're asleep?
He typed back immediately. Not yet.
A pause.
Then another: Can't fall asleep… Just can't.
He sent his response before he could even process it. Talk?
Silence.
Minutes later, the reply: Here. She's still falling asleep.
She's calling me over! She really can't stay away.
Seiji patted his amulet.
What would I do without you?
The house was dark and quiet. Seiji was glad Yumi's room was close by, so that he didn't have to creep through the freaky shadows. Or run into his dad…
He entered Yumi's room and heard the baby's soft whimper. Then it stopped. Yumi sat on the bed, hands folded in her lap. She looked over. Gaze long. Tired. Asking.
Seiji thought he smelled lavender, mixed into the cool night air.
"I wish I could fall asleep as peacefully," Yumi whispered, nodding in the direction of the baby.
Seiji moved closer. Carefully, he brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.
He really wanted her to be happier.
Everything was better when Yumi was happier.
He caught himself glancing at her breasts.
Not now.
He sat down next to her. Calm. Balanced. "Go to sleep. I'll stay."
Yumi's eyes shimmered. A single tear trembled in her eye but didn't fall. She pulled the blanket around her shoulders, leaning back toward him.
Seiji could feel the tension in her body. Every instinct told him she wanted him to do more—but he couldn't risk scaring her again.
He had to be patient.
Minutes passed in silence. Yumi slowly shifted and lowered her head onto her pillow.
Finally, she murmured: "Could you… hug me?"
Seiji didn't hesitate. He lay down beside her, arms encircling her completely. Carefully. Firmly. Protective.
"Seiji… oh, Seiji," she breathed, soft, trembling. Her body pressed closer through the blanket. Sobs rattled her for a heartbeat. "I'm sorry about the morning."
"That's okay," he said. "No biggie."
"I'm really sorry."
She gradually calmed down.
Her breath slowed and her head turned more toward him.
She was asleep.
Seiji stayed. Watching her. Listening to her breathe.
The amulet also seemed to rest against his chest—warm and steady.
She is giving herself to me. Piece by piece. It's harder for her than I thought. But she won't stop.
Seiji smiled to himself.
She's mine.
He shifted closer to her, feeling like there were only the two of them in the entire world. Tonight. In this room. With his sister asleep in his arms.
Seiji felt relieved and happy.
It was a sign of things to come.