Dark circles, Dark secrets

Chapter 5: Truth or Dare

Hinata's apartment was warm, the soft glow of the study lamp flickering over the textbooks scattered on the table. But her eyes weren't on the books anymore.

They were on Akira.

He stood near the door, dressed in black clothes for the first time. It made him look… different. Colder.

She shook off the thought.

They studied until 7 PM, but the endless pages of science formulas started to feel like a lullaby.

Hinata yawned. "I'm bored."

Akira sighed, closing his book. "Then let's take a break."

Her face lit up. "Let's play Truth or Dare!"

"...No."

"Come onnn~!" she whined.

Akira frowned. "It's a stupid game."

But Hinata wouldn't give up. "Pleeease?"

After endless pestering, Akira finally gave in. "Fine. But no weird dares."

Hinata smirked. "Rules: No lying. No dares with physical touch." She blushed. "...And no dares involving—um, taking off clothes."

Akira raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

---

(Round 1)

The bottle spun, slowing to a stop.

Akira.

His expression remained blank. "Truth."

Hinata shook her head. "No, no! You have to pick Dare!"

Akira sighed. "...Fine. Dare."

Hinata tapped her chin, struggling to think of something. "Uh… um…"

A mischievous idea popped into her head. "Cook something for me!"

Akira blinked. "...That's it?"

She crossed her arms. "Yes! And it better be good."

Minutes later, the kitchen filled with the smell of omelet rice.

When Akira placed the plate in front of her, she hesitated before taking a bite.

Her eyes widened. "T-This is amazing!"

Akira simply sat back, silent.

---

(Round 2)

The bottle spun again.

Akira.

"...Again?" he muttered, annoyed.

"Truth this time!" Hinata declared.

Akira leaned back. "Fine."

She hesitated before asking, "...Have you ever had a girlfriend?"

For the first time that night, Akira's expression shifted.

His face darkened. "...I had one in middle school."

His voice was cold.

Silence settled between them, thick and awkward.

Hinata fidgeted. "I-I see—"

RING!

Hinata's phone buzzed, cutting through the tension. It was her mom.

After a quick conversation, she turned to Akira. "I guess... you should go."

Akira stood up. "Yeah. Good night."

She didn't want him to leave.

But she didn't stop him.

---

(That Night)

Akira went to his apartment, collapsing into bed. Sleep took him instantly.

Hinata lay awake, staring at the ceiling.

She still hadn't found out about his dark circles.

And for some reason, she felt... sad.

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