Its been three days since I lashed out at her.
Three days felt louder than any argument could.
We still brushed past each other in the hallway, shared the same meals, and went on with our routines-but never spoke.
It felt like the distance between us only seemed to grow with each passing day, and I had no idea of how to mend things without reopening the wound that I caused.
Honestly, I was starting to miss her chaotic self. How she would just barge in my room looking for her things, sleeping on the couch instead of in her bed, playing games on the TV in the living room. But without her antics? The house felt empty, almost like when I first moved in.
I guess I'd gotten too used to her chaotic presence that I was starting to miss how rowdy she was.
And speaking of rowdy-New Year's was just around the corner. I don't want to start a new year while still being in an argument with the only person I got along with, so I had to act fast.... But how?
"...How... Do I even fix this...?" my voice fell to a whisper.
I didn't even realize how tightly I was gripping the onion until it burst in my hand, the sting rising to my eyes - and before I knew it, tears were sliding down my cheeks.
What the hell? Did the onion make me tear up...?
Then, her voice came through.
"Ruzen, I-" she paused, standing by the doorframe.
I slowly turned to face her. Her eyes widened the moment she saw me - the mess I'd made of myself.
I hadn't realized how much I'd been holding until that moment. Our eyes met, and for the first time in days, she looked... Guilty.
Her lips parted, then closed again. Slowly, she stepped closer, that familiar look of concern - the one she always had whenever I got hurt - painting her face as she reached out to wipe the tears from my cheek.
The room fell silent.
Gently, she pulled her hand back, looking away as hesitation flickered across her face.
For once-since I'd come to accept her existence beside me-she looked... Vulnerable. Just as confused, even scared as I was.
"I... I was being unreasonable..." she muttered. Her voice small, almost a whisper. "I shouldn't have put you through that,"
She slowly met my eyes.
"I was being selfish... I thought..." her voice wavered, cracking slightly. "I thought you'd understand if I acted distant. Instead... This happened.."
But wait, aren't I the one at fault...?
Guilt and remorse crossed her expression, but she pushed through.
"I'm sorry... I was being selfish... Thinking you'd see through my act..." her hands fell to my chest as her facade crumbled, her gaze dropping. "But I forgot... we're two different beings..." she hesitated, fingers clenching the fabric of my shirt.
I hated seeing her like this. This wasn't her-the strong, overdramatic troublemaker who barged into my peace like a storm.
And yet, I wouldn't have her any other way.
A strange urge washed over me. Before I knew it, I had pulled her into my arms, embrace, one hand resting behind her head, the other against her back, letting her bury her face against my shoulder.
"... I'm also at fault..." I murmured, tightening my embrace. "I was too absorbed in trying to understand what you are... that I forgot to understand who you are.."
"I'm sorry..." my words trailed off as I gently pulled her closer. "I treated you like you weren't your own person..."
I swallowed, forcing down my pride - that stubborn unreasonable urge to defend myself.
"I should've made myself clear..." I whispered against her.
Her arms slowly coiled around me in return, one hand finding its way to the back of my head.
"We were both at fault..." she murmured softly. "Let's just... learn from it, alright? No more keeping things from each other, understand?"
I gave a small nod, burying my face in the crook of her neck - then caught myself, gently pulling back.
"...right... I understand."
Once again, she looked at me again - those same sharp eyes, glowing like rubies.
Except this time, there was something else in them, something I couldn't figure out.
We stayed like that for a few more minutes - just me and her, in each other's arms.
The day ended quietly. We cooked together, ate together, and somehow slipped back into our routine, as if nothing had happened.
But something had changed. Something between us that I couldn't quite define.
The thought terrified me, yet- I felt strangely relieved just knowing she was there.
"Oh right, my hair smells like onions now." she muttered, raking a hand through her her hair with subtle pout, feigning hurt.
I froze, my gaze lowering.
"Sorry... that wasn't on purpose," I mumbled.
She stifled a laugh - and then, like that, the tension finally broke. Her chuckles filled the room, soft and genuine.
As much as I hated being teased, I preferred her like this.
And honestly... I wouldn't have her any other way.
"Oh, I'm not finished doing those research papers our professor in literature gave us, mind if I copy yours?" She asked suddenly.
I blinked. Of course she didn't.
"...What?"
"I haven't finished mine, I didn't touch it actually. Can I copy yours?" she repeated, tilting her head with those puppy eyes she always used to get what she wanted.
"...why?"
"What do you mean why?? We're in the same class, same program, same house - why not?"
A muscle in my face twitched. Was she seriously pulling the "we're close, aren't we?" card on me? Unbelievable. After everything? Just like that.
I wanted to say no - but those eyes... Damn it.
Eventually, I gave in.
"Fine," I sighed, shaking my head. "But only after three pages, no more. And you'll do your own papers from now on, got it?"
"I can't guarantee that~" she shrugged me off, and then dismissed my words as she continued eating.
I sighed again. She's back at it again.
Still, I couldn't help but smile.
I guess spending days with her like this isn't that bad.