You Illuminate My Path

(Nanami's P.O.V)

Shortly after the chandelier hit the table and switched off all light, candles were lit. It's still a little hard to see, and I make sure to notify Mask by saying it out loud. He immediately calls on the staff to fix the problem. The lights hanging on the walls—that I failed to notice when I entered the room—turn on.
"Is everyone alright?" Mask asks, his expression not quite readable. "I'm fine," I mutter along with the rest of the council. Glancing to my right, I see (Y/n) completely tense in her chair as if someone's pointing a gun to her head. Gently touching her arm, I ask if she's okay. For a split second she looks confused, but then turns to me and nods. I lean forward to see Tomoe confirming that he's okay as well. I gulp. "W-what was that?" The council glance at one another nervously. "S' probably nothin' but an earthquake, dear," a casual looking man says. I have my suspicions, but just nod. (Y/n) gently touches the small cut on her cheek. "How long was I out?" she asks. Nora turns her head. "Out? It only lasted for a split second. We've got it all covered."
(Y/n) raises her brows. "Really? It felt like hours..." she mutters. Tomoe glares, just as confused as I am. Taking in a deep breath, I clasp my hands together and say, "You did eat quite a bit. Probably you're just tired." My attempt to be positive and funny only earns one of those glares (Y/n)'s been giving me lately. She's been nothing but mean towards me for quite a while. When I first met her, she seemed like a very nice person. Thought we would become the best of friends despite all the weird things happening. She stood up for me at school, and then it sorta went downhill from there. I don't get it. Turning my head away, I wonder what could've gone wrong. Our friendship is like a fire— constantly flickering between on and off, so to say. "Tomoe," I say under the commotion going on between the staff and council. He directs his gaze towards me. "Maybe we should get going? I don't exactly like being here," I say, feeling rather drained from energy. I motion to get up and out of my chair, but somehow Mask overheard my statement and pushes the chair into the back of my knees. Forcefully, I sit back in my chair with a thud. "Now, you don't have to worry about leaving, lady Nanami," Mask says. "We have a room reserved for the three of you." I gulp. "A room? As in one?" (Y/n) asks, examining the masked blonde. Mask throws his head back and starts laughing a very genuine laugh.
"Two rooms, my lady. Excuse my error," he says, bowing. Glancing over at Tomoe, I see a shade of relief pass over his features. "Will you take us to our rooms, then? My lady and mistresses are quite exhausted," Tomoe says, his expression blank. Mask nods and motions for us to follow him.

As we walk down several hallways, I start to feel myself growing heavier. Yawning, I ask if we're soon there.
"In a bit," Tomoe says. He seems tired himself. (Y/n) walks while looking as if she's somewhere else. I hope she's okay. "Here we are!"
Snapping out of my thoughts I eye the oak door with the golden knob and frame. Mask opens the door for (Y/n) and I before we even can blink twice. The room is quite large with two beds on each side. This place is probably the only place I've seen with western furniture. In the corner there's a desk and a closet. "Fox, your room is opposite theirs," Mask says, pointing to the door behind us. Tomoe nods, bids us goodnight, and disappears into his room. Mask bows and leaves.

I shut the door behind me and silently make my way towards my bed. (Y/n)'s already gone to sleep without bothering to change her dress. Her headpiece is placed clumsily on the nightstand. I smile. (Y/n) looks very peaceful in her sleep.
I take out some accessories from my hair and crawl into my bed, falling asleep the moment my head hits the pillow.

I'm standing outside the shrine. Onikiri and Kotetsu are there along with (Y/n) and Tomoe. They are all smiling as the sun shines and warms the place. Smiling, I make my way towards them, wanting to join my friends and...Tomoe. We make eye contact and we both smile at each other. I blink. Everything's changed now. The warmth from the sun has now disappeared, leaving everything stone cold. Onikiri and Kotetsu try to leave the shrine, but there's an invisible wall blocking their way. Tomoe's hair has grown to an incredible length while having a grim look on his beautiful face. (Y/n) is the one who's changed the most— her hair looking like a birds nest, claws for nails, and not to forget the ears and tail. She looks...scary. I can't tell what she's feeling. It's as if every emotion there is to exist is portrayed on her face. She looks angry, yet upset. Stressed yet calm. Empty yet content. She bares her teeth at me, making me stumble and fall.