47.
chapter forty-seven
his promises

I ran a hand through my hair, matting it down. How I hated it when it became too untamable... Maybe I should consider a haircut.

After a breakfast of pancakes and crepes, Ash left. His parents were awaiting him, and even though he didn't admit it, I knew he longed to be with them too.

And so, I forced him out myself.

A small smile tugged at my lips, and I placed my pointer on them, recollecting fondly how he had whispered against them to break my promise to the watcher of the night skies.

— xoxo —

"I knew it in my blood that something was wrong. You were feeling depressed, weren't you?"

"I-It was nothing!" I countered, raising my hands. It only led to the fall of the spoon.

Ash picked it up with a swipe. "Serena, you know you can't lie to me. Is it because I didn't drive you home?"

I looked away, biting my lip. It wasn't exactly the reason, but... how do I tell him without sounding clingy?

"You must spend time with your parents, Ash. They're probably expecting you even now. Yeah, that's it." I got to my feet, snatching the spoon from his hand and tossing it into the other empty dishes that had piled up to be washed. Ignoring the last bowl of crepes, I placed them into the sink and washed my hands.

What I didn't expect was Ash's arm pinning me against the cold black slab. "Is that what you're afraid of then? Losing me to them?"

My breath hitched, the internal monologue side of my mind breaking into its usual rant. Yes, yes, yes, you daft dimbo. You're too late. I already swore I will step back so that I don't hurt myself.

But of course, Serena won't admit it. "No, obviously not."

The corners of his lips tugged into a smirk. That was all I registered before they brushed against mine. I couldn't even process that, and he was already backing away, pleading for the oath from last night to be broken already.

"You're my first priority."

His warm breath tickled my neck. Is it?

"Even though they raised me, I fell for you."

His fingers meddled with my undershirt. But you're leaving anyway.

"You don't know how endearing you can be."

Something wet embraced my collarbone. I didn't have to. Only you must.

"And I'm content that I'll spend the rest of my counting with you."

His lips. I'm sorry, gentle Moon.

— xoxo —

Mmmay: Open up, girly. We're freeeezing.

I chuckled, slipping into my fuzzy slippers and making my way to the front door. A pair of arms greeted me as soon as the wind blew in. I stumbled back, the bubbles protesting in rebellion.

"It's sooo good to see you!" Dawn exclaimed, giggling like a little girl.

"What she means is, it's good to be warm," Misty commented, sliding in. May followed her, grinning. "How have you been, Ser?"

"I've been great!" I smiled, closing the door behind the brunette. This girl knew the bad state I had fallen into last night. If not the entire breakdown, at least the gist of it. "Make yourselves comfortable! What would you guys like to have?"

"We've got the snacks!" May chimed, digging into a cover she had carried in. "Dawn and I bunked these in from the hostel's canteen. These are the only eatable food available there. Guess why?"

She set packets of chips and some instant popcorn sachets down. Misty added another item to the list — a box of glazed donuts from the Lumiose Patisserie. The vector woman printed on it was winking, a spatula in her hand.

"Because these are canned?" I offered, taking the instant popcorn sachets to put them in the microwave. "Thanks for these donuts, Misty! I've been wanting to take a bite of them lately!"

"Exactly," May said, frowning. The bluette joined her, nodding vigorously. Misty, however, followed me into the kitchen, her hands tied behind her back.

"Thank Gary." She waved it off. "He and Paul are apparently feeling low, and he thought it great that a little sugar boost would help their mood. I'd say it's because Ash's staying over at the hotel with his parents."

"It's either that or," I trailed off, remembering how Ash hadn't exactly mentioned either of his roommates. My hands mechanically worked on the popcorn while Misty began heating milk.

"Or? And mind if I make myself some hot chocolate?"

"Help yourself." I slammed the door shut. The microwave beeped, signaling the start. "Or they're probably worried about their sem exams. We haven't attended since a week, remember?"

Misty was stirring the saucer, the cocoa powder dissolving slowly like ink into water caught on 4K. "I really wish you guys would stop bringing exams up. We're here to chill."

I chuckled, reaching to the cabinets for two pairs of mugs. After a quick rinse, I placed them on a tray for Misty to fill.

"Guys, is TABILB okay or is it TSITP?" Dawn shouted from the living room. I glanced at Misty, who shrugged. Two romances? Oh, heck.

"The Summer I Turned Pretty," Misty said, taking the tray while I waited for the popcorn. "To All the Boys I've Loved Before can be watched once."

Rummaging through the extras cabinet, I found the pair of pink gloves.

"Are you done with the first watch?"

The microwave beeped, and I patted my mittened hands, ready to take it out as soon as the lights went out.

"Yup."

Click.

"Serenaaaa!" May's whine came. "What do you want to watch?!"

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children." I grinned, walking to the living room. The television was on Netflix, the search cursor blinking in confusion.

"Isn't that a movie you ought to watch with your Heartthrob Sentinel?"

I quirked an eyebrow at the brunette, falling into the couch beside Dawn. "Why would I do that?"

"Because it can get scary and gross, and you'd need an arm to clutch!"

I stuck a tongue out, rolling my eyes. As if that boy would fancy the horror genre. He'd most rather go for sports action than that.

"Girls, here's a quiz! Which Studio Ghibli girl are you?" Dawn squeaked, showing her phone. I turned to her, taking my mug.

"Weren't we deciding on movies?"

"Yeah, no, but—"

"What's a Studio Ghibli?" Misty leaned forward, looking at the bluette beside me from her cup.

I winced, already anticipating the answer. "What the hell do you mean you don't know Studio Ghibli?! It's the most amazing anime film studio I've ever come across!"

An idea struck my mind. "It's settled then." I clapped, gaining everyone's attention. "Let's watch a Studio Ghibli movie!"

Three sets of shouts echoed. "Alright!"

— 🫧 —

Hey guys!
I posted a new
amourshipping story.
It's actually a
crossover between
amourshipping and
miraculous ladybug.
The basic idea
is Ash and Serena
landing in the
miraculous universe.
Two villains are
on the rise. The
story follows how
they maneuver through
superhero powers,
their own feelings
and the looming
challenge.

if that interests
you, check it
out on my alt:
chxrry_kisses!
It's titled
"Same Stars,
Different Skies".

Thank you for reading!

Miyoko x