Starting Over • Kyojuro Rengoku

|Chapter 37|

(Y/N) attempted to wiggle away from Kyojuro's hold, her face growing hotter by the second. But to her dismay, he seemed determined to keep her close, his grip tightening slightly.

"Wait, I didn't mean to... I mean, you're... nuzzling...Stahhhpppp." her attempts at coherent speech failed her as her thoughts were jumbled by the close proximity of Kyojuro's sleepy form.

Kyojuro's eyes fluttered open, his expression a mix of drowsiness and warmth as he greeted (Y/N) with a casual Good morning. "Oh, Hi. Mornin' (Y/N)."

His voice was soft and slightly husky, carrying the remnants of sleep. As he shifted his position slightly, his gaze met hers, and he couldn't help but notice the reddened hue of her cheeks.

Kyojuro then asked, "Is something wrong? Head hurts?"

"Um, nothing's really wrong," she stammered, trying to sound casual despite the rapid beating of her heart. Her eyes flickered away for a moment, but she quickly looked back at him, finding it hard to tear her gaze away.

Kyojuro's yawn and stretch only served to distract her even more. The sight of him, relaxed and carefree, had her heart fluttering in a way that she struggled to explain.

Her cheeks burned hotter, and she was grateful for the dim lighting that might help mask her embarrassment.

In that moment, Kyojuro's perceptive gaze locked onto (Y/N), catching the faint blush that tinted her cheeks. His curiosity sparked, he couldn't help but ask, "Are you feeling alright? Do you need some water?"

"I'm fine-" (Y/N) shook her head, attempting to assure him that she was fine, but the sudden throb in her head made her wince involuntarily.

Without hesitation, Kyojuro sprang into action, shifting on the bed to reach for the pitcher and cup that he had thoughtfully prepared earlier that morning.

Caught off guard, (Y/N)'s heart raced as she watched his caring actions.

Then, in a surprising twist, Kyojuro's lips briefly met her cheek in a soft, fleeting kiss. Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, her confusion growing as he instructed her, "Give me a second, Sunshine."

(Y/N)'s confusion was evident in her expression as Kyojuro moved around the room, fetching water for her.

Her heart raced as she touched her cheek where his lips had briefly touched, her mind spinning with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. She watched as he poured the water, trying to make sense of his actions.

'I don't know what my drunk ass did last night, but boy- I'm not complaining about this sight.'

Once he returned to her side, holding the cup of water, he offered it to her with a warm smile. "Here, take a sip. It might help with the headache."

Grateful for the distraction, (Y/N) took the cup and sipped the water slowly, feeling the cool liquid soothe her dry throat. She glanced at Kyojuro, still feeling a bit dazed by the unexpected kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice slightly hoarse from the hangover. "You didn't have to do that."

Kyojuro's smile remained, his gaze unwavering as he replied, "I just wanted to help. How are you feeling now?"

(Y/N) finished the water and placed the cup on the bedside table. She sighed softly, feeling a bit better. "Better than earlier, that's for sure."

He nodded in understanding. "Hangovers can be very unpleasant."

"Yeah, tell me about it," she agreed, a hint of self-deprecation in her tone.

Kyojuro leaned back against the headboard, his gaze turning thoughtful. "You know, I've always heard that drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest are the best remedies for a hangover."