Chapter 20: Limits

*A day after Rei confessed*

The sun beams on Haruki's face as he couldn't sleep. After Rei confessed that's all he could think about.

"I can't tell her how I feel because of my job. If she finds out I don't know what I'll do.." Haruki says to himself as he rubs his forehead in frustration, "I have to keep it in for a little longer, then I'll quit."

*Meanwhile*

"What should I do? We live together how am I supposed to face him?" Rei sighs harshly, "I'll just apologize."

Rei gets out of her room then knocks on Haruki's door, "Hey can I talk to you?" Rei says as she's waiting by the door.

"Sure come in." Haruki says.

"I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm so sorry." Rei says as she's trembling.

"It's okay, you don't have to apologize." Haruki smiles.

Rei looks at Haruki and smiles, "You know, how was I supposed to not like someone who is helpful and is always there for me. You help me even when I didn't know I needed help." Rei says as she fidgets her fingers together.

Haruki laughs, "Pfft, well I will always help you. Even when you don't need me."

Rei looks at Haruki with a sad face, "Just know that I won't give up on you."

"I won't let you even if you tried." Haruki smiles genuinely.

'I've never seen this smile but it's beautiful.' Rei thinks as she sees how bright Haruki can be.

"I actually wanted to talk to you about some boundaries. Is that okay?" Haruki says in a serious tone.

"Of course. Anything that makes you comfortable." Rei says sweetly.

"I'm not going to ask for much just don't try to be so much in my space. What I mean by that is if something happens I want you to be far away to not see it. Even if I come home hurt." Haruki says in a deep tone, "I don't want you to get caught up in something you don't need to. So give me some time to fix some things."

"That's perfectly fine, I will do as you ask." Rei says.

'Is he talking about the time he came home with blood on him?' Rei thinks as she's curious but can't say anything.

"Okay well I haven't slept so I'm going to bed." Haruki says as he yawns.

"Okay! I'll go to my room and read." Rei says as she's about to leave.

Haruki grabs her arm gently and pulls her into his bed. He then lays with her and cuddles her.

"I know I'm confusing but can you please stay with me and read on your phone. I just want to feel safe." Haruki says as he's holding her.

"Oh… yes." Rei says as she blushes hard.

'I don't understand him but that's okay, I'll wait for him.' Rei tells herself as he falls asleep.