When I opened my eyes in the morning, Chishiya’s side of the bed was empty. A little confused, I sat up and looked around the apartment, but he was nowhere to be found.

I swung my legs out of bed and limped over to the bathroom. But even there, everything seemed quiet. I knocked softly. No response. How could I not have noticed him getting up? And where could he be if he wasn’t here?

Then, a sudden, frightening thought hit me—maybe he had left for good. After all, he had only promised not to throw me out again. I hadn’t even considered that he might simply leave on his own. But as I glanced around the room, I saw that his backpack was still beside the door, which was a bit of a relief. He couldn’t have gone too far, theoretically.

I limped back to the bed and sat down, as standing on one leg for too long was exhausting. Suddenly, I heard noises at the entrance door. Then, the sound of a key and a soft click. The door opened, and Chishiya came in, holding something that looked like a crutch.

“Good, you’re finally awake,” he said when he saw me.

“Finally? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s already past 10, and we have a lot to do today. So, I’d suggest you go take a shower now. I’ll make breakfast in the meantime.” As he passed by the bed, he tossed the crutch beside me on the mattress somewhat unceremoniously. “Here, found this in the basement.”

I smiled up at him.

“So that’s where you were.”

“Yeah, and I also checked if there’s enough gas in the tank. I think we’ll need to find some more fuel. I know of a gas station nearby. We should be able to make it there, and then we’ll see.”

I nodded, reaching for the crutch beside me.

“Thanks for that. I guess this will make things easier.”

Chishiya nodded curtly, then went to open the pantry.

“So, Chishiya?” I asked hesitantly. He paused and looked at me. “Would you maybe have a clean T-shirt for me? Just until I get my stuff back, of course.”

Without a word, he went to his dresser, opened the top drawer, and tossed a simple black T-shirt onto my lap.

“Thank you.”

Then I pulled myself up with the crutch and tried to make my way to the bathroom. On the way, I stopped briefly by Chishiya. When I got his attention, I grabbed his arm gently, pulling him close, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Good morning,” I said softly, leaving him speechless.

Once I was alone in the bathroom, I couldn’t help but smile to myself in amusement.

Since I didn’t want to unnecessarily soak my ankle bandage, I struggled to keep my foot out of the water while showering. Somehow, I was clumsy enough that it got a little wet anyway. I grabbed the T-shirt Chishiya had given me and sniffed it briefly, though it only smelled of neutral fabric softener for now. Still, I felt a bit euphoric wearing something of his.

Without time to wash my hair, I tied it up in a messy bun, pulling a few strands loose at the front. I would have liked to put on some makeup, but since I didn’t have any of my few belongings, I’d have to go out bare-faced again. I’d almost gotten used to it by now. Though I would have liked to look my best for Chishiya. I put on my short skort again, tucking the T-shirt into the waistband before leaving the bathroom.

When I returned, Chishiya was already sitting at the table, waiting with breakfast. This time, I sat cross-legged on the cushion to avoid kneeling on my swollen ankle. Chishiya glanced skeptically down at my foot.

“You should be more careful in the shower. It’s not good to get your bandage wet like that.”

I couldn’t stop myself from rolling my eyes.

“All right. I know that myself.”

I grabbed my bowl of rice and started eating.

“Who exactly are these people who have your things? How do you know them?” he asked.

I swallowed the rice too quickly, choking and suddenly coughing. Once I recovered, I replied:

“I met the boy at a game. The woman is his… I don’t know… she just looks out for him since he doesn’t have any parents here anymore.”

Chishiya looked up, surprised.

“So, you’ve played as well? And you’re just telling me this now?” he asked, a bit annoyed.

“Um, well… yeah. I mean, you didn’t ask, and I guess I forgot to mention it.”

I laughed, a bit embarrassed.

“Which game was it?”

“The Queen of Spades.”

“I see. Was she someone you knew? Maybe from the Beach?”

I was a bit surprised by his question.

“What? No. I’d never seen her before. But I recognized two players from the Beach—Usagi and Arisu. I think you know them too, right?” I asked, curious.

Chishiya nodded slowly, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“Yes, I do know them, actually.”

“It seemed like they were together or something.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Together?”

“You know, they seemed very fond of each other.”

I made a finger heart to illustrate, and couldn’t stop my cheeks from getting a little warm.

“And why exactly does that concern you?” he asked dismissively.

I hesitated and lowered my gaze.

“Well, they seemed so close. It’s kind of enviable.”

A short silence fell between us.

“Do you think so?”

“Mhm…” I only shrugged.

Suddenly, my rice seemed much more interesting than the awkward subject. Just as I’d expected, Chishiya didn’t delve further into it, and I didn’t dare to push the conversation in that direction either.

We spent the rest of breakfast mostly in silence. Afterward, we prepared everything for our short trip. First, we’d go to the gas station, and hopefully afterward, we’d retrieve my belongings. The good part was that, thanks to my sprain, I’d at least be spared from driving.

Just before we left, Chishiya handed me something.

“Better put this on. It’s chilly outside.”

I unfolded the fabric and found it was his white-and-gray cardigan. If I remembered correctly, he’d worn it the day he’d been shot.

“Weren’t there bloodstains on this? How did you get them out?” I asked, a little surprised.

He gave a faint smile.

“Just put it on.”

With a delighted smile, I slipped into the long cardigan. Now I was wearing two of Chishiya’s things. Could the day get any better?

Probably not.

This time, I took the passenger seat as Chishiya got behind the wheel. He started the engine and pulled out from where I’d last parked it.

“I like this much better,” I said with a big grin, watching Chishiya drive.

“Even without your handicap, I wouldn’t have let you drive a second time. You’d just wreck the car.”

“Tsk… don’t be so mean, all right?” I pouted, crossing my arms in mock offense. “I just need a little more practice.”

“Sure…”

I stared out the window for a while, but then noticed a few CD cases in the side pocket of the car door. Curious, I pulled out a few. Among them were some albums from singers I’d never heard of. One CD, however, caught my attention.

“Ooh, Itzy. I like this. It’s way too quiet in here,” I declared, randomly pressing buttons on the car radio until it eventually switched to CD mode. I put in the Itzy CD, and soon enough, the K-pop song Cheshire softly played from the speakers.

I immediately turned up the volume.

“I love this song,” I grinned at him.

Chishiya, on the other hand, looked at me as though I’d lost my mind when I started swaying in my seat and singing along loudly, despite only knowing a few Korean words. He shook his head but gave a faintly amused smile.

“You really should get yourself a therapist.”

“Oh, stop being such a boring stick-in-the-mud!”

“If I’m so boring, then why did you come back to me?”

Thoughtfully, I turned my head and looked at him from the side.

“Because…” My grin grew wider. “I still couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Chishiya nodded slowly.

“Okay, that’s a reason…”

As he moved his hand back to the gearshift, I hesitantly placed my hand on his, gently brushing my fingers over the back of his hand. Chishiya glanced at me briefly, but quickly refocused on the road. Though he didn’t need to shift gears, he left his hand there, allowing my touch without complaint—a small victory. Then he turned and pulled into the gas station.

“How do you plan on getting gas without electricity?” I asked, puzzled.

“Some gas stations run on generators. Let’s hope this is one of them. Otherwise, I have a Plan B.”

He got out while I waited in the car. It seemed we were in luck, and it actually worked. Once he was done refueling, he opened the car’s back door to retrieve his backpack.

“I’m going to try to grab a few supplies for us from the store. I’ll be quick.”

I nodded, watching as he went into the gas station shop, which, with its broken windows, gave the impression that most of the supplies had already been looted.

“So? Found anything?” I asked as he returned with the backpack and tossed it onto the back seat.

“Not much, but at least something.”

Chishiya got back in, and we drove to the address I’d given him. Luckily, I’d remembered at least the street. Finding the house again shouldn’t be too hard.

“There it is,” I said, pointing to the house as we drove past.

Chishiya parked and, to my surprise, even opened the car door for me. When we reached the door, I knocked loudly. It took a long time before anyone opened it—they probably didn’t get many visitors. Mei stood in the doorway, looking shocked.

“Tsuki! You’re alive!” she exclaimed, completely stunned.

I tried to give her a polite curtsy, which didn’t quite work due to my crutch.

“I’m really sorry. I left so suddenly yesterday, but it was kind of an emergency,” I said, glancing at Chishiya. He also gave a brief nod in greeting.

“Hey. I'm Chishiya,” he introduced himself curtly.

But Mei didn’t seem upset at all; instead, she smiled.

“I’m just relieved you’re all right. Kota and I thought something terrible had happened to you. Your clothes were still lying in the street, and since there was no body around, we weren’t sure if you were still alive.”

“As I said, I wish I’d had time to let you know. That’s why I wanted to apologize.”

“And probably to pick up your stuff too, right?” she teased.

I scratched the back of my head, a bit embarrassed.

“Yes, that too, of course.”

“Well, come on in,” she said with a sweeping gesture.

I followed her, but Chishiya hesitated. I looked at him, questioning.

“It’s probably better if I just wait here,” he said, leaning against the doorframe.

My gaze shifted to Mei, who shook her head in confusion.

“Oh, nonsense. Why not? You’re welcome to come in if you’d like. I’m sure Kota would be happy.”

That she thought Kota would enjoy the company of someone as surly as Chishiya made me smile a bit, even if only inwardly.

The boy in question was already peeking timidly from behind the door to his room. Clearly, he’d been eavesdropping, which I couldn’t really blame him for. Yet, he also looked a little guilty, as if he’d done something wrong.

“Kota,” Mei began, her voice unusually stern. “As you can see, Tsuki is back. Don’t you think you should apologize to her?”

I looked at her, a bit surprised. What did Kota need to apologize to me for? Mei just raised her hand, signaling for me to wait. Then Kota slowly came out from behind the door, his gaze lowered in embarrassment. He was clearly hiding something behind his back.

“So… while you were gone,” he stammered, “I looked in your bag because I was curious. And I found your comic and read it.” He looked at me shyly and then held out the sketchbook with my drawings. “Sorry, Izumi-sensei.”

Then he gave me a deep bow. I was so speechless that, for a moment, I didn’t know what to say. Instead, I just chuckled, finding it kind of sweet.

“Well, if that’s all, then it’s fine. Don’t worry, Kota. I’m not mad.”

Mei seemed relieved at my reaction.

“I couldn’t stop him. He was obsessed with your comic and now he’s dying to know what happens next.”

I laughed.

“Yeah, I’d love to know that too.”

Kota looked noticeably more relaxed now. Suddenly, he pointed excitedly at Chishiya.

“I know who you are! You exposed the Jack of Hearts in the prison! That was sooo awesome!”

This time, it was my cheeks that were blazing hot. I glanced sideways at Chishiya, who had his arms crossed casually and now raised an eyebrow, surprised. Then he just shrugged.

“I know, I’m pretty impressive. But I’m sure you’re just as good if you made it this far.”

Kota grinned a little, his eyes lighting up.

“Do you like Spider-Man too? He’s my absolute favorite hero.”

For the first time, Kota seemed to truly come alive, which honestly surprised me a bit.

“Really? Mine too,” Chishiya replied.

“Wanna see my comic collection?” he asked, beaming with excitement.

“Sure, why not? I don’t have anything else to do right now.”

Kota grabbed Chishiya’s arm, and before I knew it, they’d disappeared into his room. I couldn’t hold back a laugh any longer, and Mei also looked amused.

“I knew he’d be happy. He’s been going on and on about how cool he found Chishiya in your story. And at least this hero seems to be real for once.”

I blushed a bit, grinning sheepishly.

“Yes, he is. He’s—”

“Your hero?” she asked, giving me a knowing look as if she knew exactly what kind of relationship we had. By now, it felt like my cheeks were on fire.

“Something like that,” I murmured, following Mei into the living room, where my bag was.

“So, he’s the companion you were traveling with? The one you argued with?” she asked, curious.

I nodded.

“Yes, but we’ve made up.”

“I’m glad to hear it. But that probably means you won’t be staying with us anymore.”

“Sadly, no, but I’m very grateful for your hospitality.”

I bowed again.

“Don’t worry. We’ll manage. And maybe it’ll all be over soon anyway,” she said, gazing longingly out the window.

“We all hope so.”

“What happened to your foot, by the way?” she asked, concerned.

“Oh, that. I just twisted it,” I waved it off.

“I see. I hope it heals soon.”

Then Mei turned away and came back with a stack of clothes.

“Here, your things. I hung them up to dry.”

I took them, surprised.

“Thank you. That’s really kind of you.”

I knelt down carefully to put the clothes back into my bag, along with my sketchbook.

“I really hope you’re not mad at Kota for rummaging through your things. He didn’t mean any harm.”

I shook my head.

“Of course not, why would I be mad? Nothing happened, and if he liked the webtoon, at least I’ve already got a fan.”

“You probably have two. I think you’ve got real talent, Tsuki.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, embarrassed. “Well, we’ll be on our way, then.”

“Oh, don’t worry, you’re not bothering us. You’re welcome anytime. I think Kota really enjoyed himself.”

I shouldered my bag and followed her back, this time to Kota’s room. Chishiya was sitting on the floor with him as he showed off all his action figures. The sight made me smile involuntarily. Who would have thought he’d be so patient with a child?

“All right, I’ve got everything,” I told Chishiya. “But maybe you’d rather stay here with your new friend.”

Chishiya stood up.

“Sorry, buddy, but I have to go now.”

“But why can’t you stay?” Kota asked, pouting.

“You know how it is. Superheroes are always busy. But you’ll understand that one day when you’re one yourself.”

“Hmph… fine,” he muttered reluctantly.

“Bye, Kota,” I said, waving goodbye. “Maybe we’ll see each other at school someday.”

He nodded.

“But will you still have time to draw comics?” he asked, sounding a bit sad.

I winked at him.

“Of course.”

After saying our goodbyes, Chishiya took my bag as Mei saw us out. Then she seemed to remember something.

“Oh, wait a minute. I almost forgot.” She returned with a small carton of eggs and handed it to me. “The hens laid more yesterday. You’re welcome to take them if you like.”

For a moment, I was completely touched by her generosity.

“Thank you. That really wasn’t necessary.”

“I’ve never seen Kota so happy as he was today. So… just take them, okay?”

We thanked her again and walked back to the car in silence.

“So, I’m in your webtoon now, am I?” Chishiya said after we’d both gotten into the car again. “What did I do to deserve that honor?”

“Oh, shut up,” I said, annoyed.

“Is this embarrassing for you?”

I turned stubbornly to stare out the window.

“Of course not…” I said, though my blushing face probably told a different story.

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“Just drive and stop talking!”

He rolled his eyes, exasperated.

“Are you on your period or something?”

“No, are you?” I shot back sharply.

“Now you’re just being childish.”

“Fine, yes,” I said at last. “I made you a character in my webtoon, but you’re not the only one in it.”

“But obviously, I’m the one who left the biggest impression.” He looked at me triumphantly, as if there was no argument against it. And, honestly, there wasn’t. “Am I maybe the secret main character of your webtoon?”

I kept my gaze fixed firmly out the window.

“You’re already the main character in my life. Isn’t that enough?” I asked with a wry smile.

This time, his response took much longer.

“I think I can live with that.”

I plan to upload a new English chapter every Tuesday (CET) from now on so that I can finally make some progress. Sorry that it took so long until now.