Chapter 78: Unspoken Truths

The dim glow from the streetlights cast soft shadows across Kaede's cozy apartment as she led Mirei inside. The warmth of the familiar space wrapped around them, offering a quiet sense of safety after the emotional storm of the night.

"Come in," Kaede whispered gently, squeezing Mirei's cold hand before letting go. "I'll make some tea."

Mirei nodded silently, still lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her usually vibrant presence now seemed fragile, like glass on the verge of shattering.

Kaede hurried into the kitchen, her mind racing. Seeing Mirei like this broke her heart. She quickly prepared two cups of hot chamomile tea, hoping it might bring some comfort, however small.

When she returned, she paused. Mirei was still standing near the entrance, her head bowed, shoulders trembling slightly.

Kaede's chest tightened. She carefully set the cups on the small coffee table and crossed the room without a word. Gently, she wrapped her arms around Mirei, resting her chin on her shoulder.

"It's okay… I'm here."

Mirei gasped softly, startled by Kaede's embrace, but then slowly melted into her warmth. She clung to Kaede's hoodie as if anchoring herself to reality.

After a moment, Kaede gently pulled back, her hands resting on Mirei's arms. "Come sit," she urged, guiding Mirei to the sofa.

Mirei obeyed quietly, sitting down with an air of exhaustion. Kaede handed her the warm mug.

"Drink this… it'll help."

Mirei nodded and took a slow sip, savoring the calming warmth that spread through her body. "...Thank you."

An awkward silence settled between them. Kaede watched Mirei closely, seeing the storm of emotions behind her tired eyes. She longed to ask what was wrong, but fear of hurting Mirei even more kept her quiet.

After a deep breath, Kaede whispered, "You must be really exhausted... You can sleep in my room tonight."

Mirei met her gaze, noticing the concern Kaede struggled to hide. She could tell Kaede wanted to ask something—needed to—but was holding back.

"Kaede…" Mirei finally spoke, her voice soft but resolute. "I'm sorry... for making you worry."

Kaede stayed silent, letting her continue.

"I'm sorry for lying earlier… cutting off the call… ignoring your texts…" Mirei's voice wavered. "I made you wait… I hurt you… I thought I could handle it better, but I—"

Her breathing turned ragged, each word becoming harder to push out. Before she could crumble further, Kaede gently cupped her face and kissed her—soft, warm, and comforting.

Mirei's eyes widened, stunned by the tenderness. When Kaede pulled back, her gaze was steady yet shimmering with unshed tears. Seeing her always-confident, radiant Mirei so broken felt like a knife to her heart.

"Calm down, Mirei... it's okay," Kaede whispered, pulling her into another tight embrace, stroking her hair softly. "It's okay… You're here… you're safe."

Mirei let go, finally allowing herself to cry, her sobs muffled against Kaede's shoulder.

"You're fine… that's all that matters to me," Kaede soothed, her voice cracking with emotion. "You'll be okay… we'll get through this."

Mirei nodded through her tears, whispering, "Thank you... Kaede."

---

As the room quieted, their embrace lingered, neither wanting to let go. Finally, Mirei drew back, wiping her eyes.

"Kaede…" she hesitated, her fingers fidgeting nervously. "About... Minami."

Kaede stiffened but kept her expression neutral.

"Please… don't get the wrong idea," Mirei pleaded. "There's nothing between us. It was just... a moment. An accident."

Kaede searched Mirei's face and found nothing but sincerity. She exhaled slowly, pushing back her jealousy. "I trust you, Mirei… I always have."

"I'm really sorry… for everything," Mirei whispered. "I took too long to apologize… I hurt you… I even made you cry."

Kaede blushed, caught off guard. "How… how did you know?"

"Did you... stalk me or something?" Kaede added with a weak attempt at humor.

Mirei cracked a small smile. "I saw the livestream… I could see it in your face."

Kaede's eyes widened. "Really...? Well... thanks..."

They shared a soft laugh, the tension between them easing slightly.

Kaese tilted her head thoughtfully. "By the way… how did you like our new album?"

Mirei smiled. "I loved it… especially the lyrics."

Kaede's eyes softened. "I'm glad… It means a lot to me."

After a pause, Mirei hesitated again. "Kaede... can I ask you something?"

"Of course." Kaede answered.

"It's about that song…" Mirei's voice lowered. "You said... you lost someone important… but that you met her again… and wanted to rewrite fate."

Kaede's heart pounded, dread creeping up her spine.

"Was... that about me?" Mirei asked, her brow furrowing. "I can't stop thinking about it... Did I leave you once? Did I... hurt you before?"

Kaede's breath hitched. "Mirei… I..."

"Maybe… I got into an accident... hit my head and forgot everything?" Mirei chuckled nervously, trying to lighten the mood.

"No... Mirei..." Kaede whispered, her voice trembling.

Before she could stop herself, Mirei blurted, "Did I… die?"

The air in the room turned still, thick with unspoken truths.

Kaede's eyes widened in panic, her hands trembling. "Don't talk nonsense, Mirei."

Mirei recoiled slightly at Kaede's intensity.

"I didn't… I didn't mean to upset you," Mirei stammered, confused. "It's just… lately, I've had these strange flashes… like memories I shouldn't have... but they feel so familiar. I thought... Maybe... you know about it."

Kaede clenched her fists, her chest aching with the burden of the secret she couldn't share.

"You're just exhausted... overworked… Honestly, it was never that deep, sorry." Kaede forced a smile. "Let's not think about this now... It's already past 2 AM."

Mirei sighed, too drained for more questions. "...You're right."

Kaede gently took her hand, guiding her toward the bedroom.

"Let's rest… we'll face tomorrow together."

As they lay side by side in the darkened room, Mirei's soft breathing eventually evened out, it's been a while since Mirei finally found peace in her sleep, cradled by the warmth of Kaede's presence, but Kaede stayed awake, staring at the ceiling.

"I'm sorry Mirei... I couldn't tell you the truth... not yet."