The wind howled outside, rattling the windows of your room as rain lashed against the glass. Thunder rolled in the distance, heavy and unrelenting, and though the storm raged on, the world within your bedroom was supposed to feel safe, warm, quiet, and peaceful. Heizou lay beside you, his breathing even and steady, chest rising and falling in a calm rhythm. He looked so at ease in sleep, untouched by the chaos outside.

But you weren’t.

Your dreams had been anything but restful. In them, shadows closed in, voices echoed, and fear gripped you so tightly you tossed and turned in the sheets, trying to shake it off. The storm outside only made the nightmare worse, each crack of thunder dragging you deeper into that unsettling haze. Finally, with a sharp gasp, you jolted awake, heart racing. Sweat clung to your skin, your hands trembling as you slowly pushed yourself upright.

Your sudden movement stirred Heizou. His lashes fluttered, his gaze heavy with sleep at first, but then sharper when he saw the distress painted across your face. He pushed himself up on one elbow, concern lacing his voice.

“Hey… you alright?” He asked gently, leaning a little closer. His eyes searched yours, reading you in the dim light cast by the storm outside. For a moment, he looked as though he wanted to reach out, but instead he smiled softly, trying to ease the tension. “Oh, I see. Was it a nightmare about me being late to our date again?”

The corner of his mouth tilted in that teasing, playful way he always had lighthearted, mischievous, like he thought a joke would chase away the fear.

But this time, it didn’t.

You stared at him, your chest still tight from the nightmare, and his words only made the ache sharper. “That isn’t funny, Heizou,” You said quietly, your voice low but heavy with frustration. “Stop joking. I hate it when you’re so unserious.”

The words slipped out before you could stop them. The room fell silent except for the storm.

Heizou’s smile faltered instantly. His expression shifted, the warmth in his eyes flickering into something more wounded. The word “hate” seemed to strike him harder than you intended, and he froze for a moment, processing. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to respond, but nothing came out right away. The lightness he tried to bring into the moment vanished, leaving behind only that hurt look in his eyes.