Trust
"Why, you gonna pounce on me?"
Short, but it made my heart sink even harder. It was the first time I'd been hit with a line like that, and I had no clue how to respond. My head was spinning.
"Hey, you. Don't say stuff like that so casually."
Karen stared at me silently for a long while without a word. I naturally halted my steps toward the bathroom and looked back at her. A strange tension began to creep up in the silence.
"What, it was a joke."
At that moment, Karen shrugged and spread her arms wide before flopping fully onto the bed.
"Didn't you just say it wasn't a joke a minute ago?"
"Did I? Well, thanks to someone, I had to dredge up my shitty past today, so my head's all messed up."
Karen replied slyly like a fox, waving her hand dismissively as she continued.
"Go take a quick shower. I don't have the energy to talk anymore."
With that, she closed her eyes and breathed slowly in and out.
I watched her for a moment, let out a small sigh, and headed into the bathroom.
-Shwoosh.
Warm water soaked my body, and the day's built-up fatigue melted away in a wave of pleasure. Normally, I'd let out a satisfied "Ahh, that hits the spot," but right now? No way. Not if Karen might hear. With the water sounds probably carrying straight to her ears, I didn't want to come off like some creepy old perv. So I showered quietly, threw on my clothes, and stepped out.
I'd have loved fresh clothes, but crashing here wasn't planned, so no spares. Next time, gotta stash some in my subspace pocket just in case.
"....."
A glance at the bed: Karen was already out cold, breathing softly. Hadn't taken me that long in there, but damn, she crashed fast. Guess today really wore her out.
Yawning hugely as drowsiness hit, I shuffled toward the bed. Or, well, I tried—then froze midway.
"...Hmm."
Is it really okay for us to share a bed? I'm fine with it, but what if she wakes up and freaks, turning this into a total shitshow?
Scanning the room, I spotted a small sofa near the bed. Might be cramped, but maybe I crash there tonight.
As that thought formed, I crept toward it on tiptoe—
"...What're you doing?"
Karen had cracked her eyes open, her voice thick with sleep.
What the—? You were definitely asleep.
"Weren't you out just now?"
"Woke up hearing you move."
I'd been extra careful not to wake her.
"Your hearing's insane. I was walking dead silent."
"I'm just sensitive, okay."
Just sensitive? More like hypervigilant. Probably from street life—staying alert even asleep. Yeah, that tracks.
"So, what're you up to?"
"Gotta sleep sometime."
"Then why're you slinking to the corner?"
"Figured the sofa. Didn't wanna make you uncomfortable if I hopped in too."
Karen snorted at that.
"You paid for this room—why suffer like an idiot? I don't care, so quit playing martyr and get in here. Bed's stupidly big anyway."
Huh. Way chiller than I expected. Am I the one overthinking? She's the teen, right? Why am I the flustered one? Something's backwards here.
"You're really... whatever, fine."
Was gonna chew her out for being too casual, but knowing Karen, it'd bounce right off. So I dropped it and flopped straight onto the bed beside her.
Man, this thing was plush. Comfy as hell.
"......"
"......"
Silence stretched out again. Awkward vibes? My kryptonite. I fiddled with the blanket absentmindedly.
Then.
"...I get what you're driving at. I know—for our age, guy and girl in one room, same bed? Sketchy as hell."
Her voice came soft from beside me.
"Then why act like it's fine?"
"You're not that kinda guy."
No hesitation in her answer. Surprised by the short, solid certainty, I turned my head toward her.
Our eyes met—she'd been watching me already.
Dark room, but those pink eyes burned clear in my vision.
"But you didn't. So tonight? I trust you."
"...."
I trust you—from Karen? My chest swelled. Like all my restraint paid off in one go.
"And if you did try? Think I'd just sit there?"
"...Nah. You'd pound me senseless."
I chuckled at her jab.
"Damn right. Till you dropped. So any funny business? Dream on."
"Yes, ma'am. Loud and clear."
"Good. Night."
She eased her eyes shut.
I closed mine too, chasing sleep, willing away the smug glow in my head with slow breaths.
But the rustling next to me? Sleep killer.
Curious, I peeked over.
"....."
Karen, face scrunched in mild annoyance, fiddling with the bedsheet.
Why... Oh, right—her cute little habit. Hugs a plushie every night.
No plushie here. Duh, she'd be antsy.
Watching her squirm sparked mischief. I whispered low.
"Why the wriggling? Not like you're a kid missing her doll."
"W-what doll? Bullshit. Shut it and sleep."
Gruff as ever, she turned her back.
-Rustle.
Soon, she yanked the blanket into a hug.
Needs something to clutch, huh. Catching more of her cute quirks lately? Not complaining.
"...Yeah. Night."
Tamping down my grin, I finally drifted off.
Sleep took me quick.
Bright light pierced my eyes, forcing them open.
"......."
Ahh, refreshing morning. Zero urge for more shut-eye.
Stretching, I sat up.
"Ughh... Huh?"
Or tried. Couldn't even stretch. Body locked—no free movement.
Felt... tighter than usual too.
Sleep paralysis?
"....?"
Slowly looked down.
Something pink plastered to me.
Karen.
Hugging me tight, dead asleep.
Wait—what the hell? Did I...? Frowned, rifling memories—nope, zilch.
"...In her sleep?"
Probably mistook me for her doll. Not hating it, but damn, awkward overload. Sweet scent teasing my nose, squishy warmth on my arm? Distracting AF. But burdensome.
Happy hell, coined for moments like this.
Inner devil: Just chill. Nah—shook it off. Not my fault, sure, but playing dead? Trash move.
"Hoo..."
Deep breath. Carefully—super carefully—tried slipping free without waking her.
But overlooked one thing.
"What the—her grip's a vice..."
Stuck. Strength's no joke.
That "beat you to death" line? Not bluffing.
With those muscles, yeah—I'd be paste.
Now what? Play possum? Not my fault.
"Mmm..."
Voice tickled my ear. Spine iced over.
"Mmm...?"
Karen's eyes fluttered open slow.
Gaze locked—I forced a grin.
"G-good morning."
Ah, whatever—not my fault.