The movie continued playing.
The sounds of the theater filled the room, but I barely paid attention anymore.
Kira was still resting against my shoulder.
For some reason…
I didn't want to move.
Eventually, the movie came to an end.
The credits rolled across the screen as the lights slowly brightened. People stood up, stretched, and began gathering their things.
I looked beside me.
Kira was still asleep.
"…Kira."
She didn't respond, so I hesitated before gently tapping her shoulder.
"…The movie's over."
Her eyes slowly opened. For a moment, she looked confused before quickly sitting up.
"…Oh."
A small laugh escaped her.
"…Did I really fall asleep?"
"…Looks like it."
"Great."
She rubbed the back of her neck with an embarrassed smile.
"I missed the ending."
"…You didn't miss much."
She narrowed her eyes at me.
"You're definitely lying."
I shrugged.
"…Maybe."
Kira laughed softly.
But for some reason…
Something about that laugh felt different.
We left the theater together.
The evening sky had turned a warm shade of orange as people walked past us, chatting on their way home.
For once, neither of us said anything.
That felt strange.
Usually, Kira always had something to talk about.
I glanced at her.
"…You okay?"
She looked at me and gave me a gentle smile.
"…I'm fine."
The answer came too quickly.
"…If you say so."
She simply nodded, and we continued walking in silence.
When we finally reached the station, Kira came to a stop.
"…Thanks for today."
I scratched the back of my head.
"…Yeah."
"It was fun."
For just a moment…
Her smile faltered.
It lasted only a second before she forced it back.
"…See you Monday, Cody."
"…See you."
She gave me a small wave.
I waved back, and then we went our separate ways.
As I walked home, I slipped my hands into my pockets.
The cool evening breeze brushed against my face.
For some reason…
I couldn't stop thinking about Kira.
Not because of the movie.
Not because she fell asleep.
But because something felt…
Wrong.
No matter how much I thought about it…
I couldn't figure out what it was.
End of Chapter 18