“I’m still at work.” Nori’s voice is weak, the words sounding like she’s wrestling them free.
“Okay?”
Nori hesitates then chokes out, “I… I don’t think I’m going to make it tonight.”
“We don’t have to go to karaoke.” If Nori is nervous about singing and dancing in front of the rest of the town, then I’m happy to stay home and cuddle her and kiss her and—
“I mean, I have to work late, again. I don’t think I can come to Starry Hill.” Nori sounds like she’s holding back tears, but I can’t tell if they’re sad or angry.
“How late?” I ask. “I can pick you up when you’re done. Even if it’s the middle of the night.”
“No,” Nori says quickly, her voice cracking on the word. She takes a trembling breath and continues, “Go out and enjoy karaoke with your friends. Don’t wait for me.”
I take a couple of seconds to process what she’s saying, then, needing to confirm, I ask slowly, “So, you’re not coming?”
Nori sniffs. “I’m going to try my best to come tomorrow, but I can’t make any promises.”
“Oh. I understand.” I don’t know if Nori is breaking up with me, but I’ve had conversations like this before, and I know where they lead. My dragon’s head hangs and he retreats deep within my chest as I wilt into Nori’s chair. “Please take care of yourself and get some rest too. And let me know when you’re ready to see me again.” I try to keep my voice neutral and not to let my disappointment bleed through, even if it feels like a thousand papercuts are slicing at my heart.
“I’m sorry, Shinsu,” Nori whispers.
“Me too.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Nori doesn’t come on Saturday.
She doesn’t come on Sunday either.
My dragon is quiet. My scales gone. My heart empty as I remain in Nori’s chair, hoping this is some kind of nightmare I can wake up from.
