with shinra's eyes fluttering open, he immediately tried to avoid the sunlight that was piercing through the window of the room he's currently in and since it was the afternoon sun, it stung worse. "please don't tell me that she's not back yet." he groaned in annoyance.

of course, unlike in shinra's world, (y/n) had to leave him for a few hours to attend school. no matter how troublesome it is to attend class daily, she didn't want to fall on failing grades. even though she knows very well herself that the spiky-haired male is facing a big problem, her own priorities comes first and foremost.

it has been at least half a day, but shinra didn't even bother to leave the room, not unless he had to take a leak or grab something to eat. the (h/c)nette's classes will be ending in a few minutes, yet for him, it felt like a long period of time. hurry the hell up, (y/n).

deciding to leave bed and wait for her outside, he gently pulled the blanket to the side and stood up. of course, he didn't forget to fix and flatten it on the soft cushion. it would be rude if he left the equipment untidy to one's eyes, especially when it's not his very own shelter.

he was starting to feel restless, that's a fact. he wanted to seek for answers to his unrealistic questions. he became extra fidgety to the point when he heard the main door click open, he hurriedly went out to greet her with an okaeri, but his plan immediately backfired on him when he heard harsh yells instead of a sweet tone.

to hide himself, he instantly entered the room behind him and soundlessly closed the door. he planned to lock and secure it with a chair, but when he felt the doorknob turning, he had no choice but to hide himself under the bed.

"oi, you ungrateful brat! stop hiding and come here! we have something to discuss, young lady!"

just by hearing the ear-piercing tone alone, the crimson-eyed male flinched. he didn't expect that another individual can scare him more than hinawa can. words truly are harsh to one's ears.

despite fear enveloping him, a sudden thought came inside his head due to the words he heard. are they treating her like this every single time?

his thoughts didn't last long, though, for tall heels started to click closer and closer to his hiding spot. he tried his best to hide his presence and hold his breath, but even that was insufficient effort.

please don't let her see me. please don't let her see me. shinra continuously thought to himself, and as if the heavens above heard his prayers, he heaved out a deep sigh of relief when he heard another pair of shoes clicking on the floor. "oi, you old hag. who the hell gave you the permission to enter my apartment?"

it was her voice, but unlike the way she talks to him, (y/n) sounded like a tiger that's scaring her prey with just a stare. she was extremely calm on the outside but rage is enveloping her in the inside. he's thankful that she arrived in the nick of time, but it was unusual for her to act this way. even shinra can tell.

"who are you calling an old hag!?"
"you, of course. who else?"
"wha– i am your mother!"
"foster parent. watch your words."

shinra flinched due to fear once more. even though (y/n) wasn't shooting those words towards him, uneasiness began to rise in his system. she doesn't act like this on a daily basis, anyway.

after a few moments of silence, the older female heaved out a defeated sigh and left the room, slamming the door close in anger before walking out of the house.

shinra took a peek on (y/n)'s face even though he's still underneath the bed. he expected that the (h/c)nette's mood turned sour due to the occurence just a while ago, but instead of his expectations, the black-haired male was greeted with a genuine grin. "tadaima, shinra."

and as if her smile was contagious, shinra returned the favor. "hmm. okaeri."