?? ??????? ??? [ the promised neverland ]

the black sky is still painted with hues of dark blue and deep violet for the sun hasn't risen yet when i got out of bed.

i woke up earlier than usual today and found myself standing in front of the library's doorway. it was wide open when i got there and inside the room is anna, quietly reading a book all by herself.

the girl doesn't seem to notice me as her eyes looked so busy scanning what's written on the page of the book.

it's only five thirty.

"anna? isn't it too early to get up?" i trudged my way towards her with a concerned face.

she flinched when she realized she's not alone and immediately looks at my direction with a sheepish smile.

"well, ray was extra noisy today..." she didn't hesitate to answer.

extra... noisy?

as i think of what the blonde's statement means, her face suddenly turned full red and she quickly covers her cheeks with her braids.

"by that, i mean- you see, ray is kind of noisy when he's asleep," she said in an embarrassed tone.

as the mention of ray being noisy during sleep got my attention, i sat down beside her, "can you elaborate?" i asked kindly, evidently interested on the raven haired boy.

anna looks at me cluelessly and then smiles in kindness afterwards.

"some children noticed that ray sleep talks ever since connie was adopted," she started, "it doesn't always happen, but these days he seems to always toss and turn on the bed. and it looks like he's having a nightmare," she finished as she turns to look once again to the book in front of her.

i scanned the room and the shelves of different books as i stretch my arms upwards. "what does he say?"

the girl shuffled on her seat and faced me yet with another sweet smile on her face. but this time her eyes doesn't seem to do the same.

"he always calls mama's name," her small voice echoed throughout the huge room, "not only that, he always looks so scared. it's getting concerning sometimes."

the thought of ray being in that kind of state left a small pit in my stomach. i don't exactly know why though.

i just have this small part of me that wants... to protect him. to keep him by my side and make sure that he's okay.

ray, just like everybody else, is still a child. a scared child. we never saw him show how he feels at times, he must've been so contained he could only express his fear in sleep. and he's not even aware about it.

"please always watch over him, anna," i gently placed my hand on her back and drew circles in it.

the look on anna's face turns from a sweet smile to a sorrowful one. she sighed in sadness as she shows how concerned she is for the ravenette.

like i thought, i don't know how long i'll be staying here. i want to at least make sure that everyone escapes before i get called back.

or better, i'll be joining them on the escape.

"you like ray, don't you?" i asked her, placing my hand back to my lap.

the blonde's pink tinted cheeks turns into a dark shade of red as i voice those words out.

she quickly turned to look at me, opens her mouth, and then shuts it afterwards, completely lost in words.

i chuckled a bit. "tell me, anna," i placed my elbow on the table and put my chin on my palm, "do you like ray?" i repeated the question but in different set of words. "hehe, don't worry, i'm good with little secrets like this." no im not.