Arthur bought tickets for a horror movie.
The theater was full of young couples, all screaming at every turn.
I awkwardly watched as the girl beside me jumped into her boyfriend's arms, clinging to his waist and acting coy.
"Why aren't you scared?" Arthur asked, a little gloomily.
I'm not afraid of these ghosts, I replied honestly. "I went on a field trip to a cemetery with my teacher before, so I'm immune to these things now."
He didn't seem too pleased. As the movie ended, he gripped my sleeve tightly and dragged me outside.
"Watch another one with me."
He said, "This time, let's watch a bloody one, with zombies and vampires."
"...Do we really need to?"
I scratched my head. "Do you really think I'll be scared and jump into your arms?"
"I just want to have physical contact with you."
He said plainly, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance. I realized then.
From the moment we reunited until now, despite him breaking me down mentally, he hadn't touched me even once.
The most physical contact I'd gotten from him was his nail grazing my nose.
I found it a little amusing and boldly stepped forward to hug him.
"Is this okay?"
He stiffened for a moment.
Then, realizing what I meant, he bent slightly and rested his chin on my shoulder.
"If I had known it was this easy, I wouldn't have come to watch a movie."
He said with a touch of grievance, "It's so cold outside. I'd rather stay at home."
---
For the next twenty or so days, Arthur spent most of his time at my place. He was really afraid of the cold.
He stole my blanket, curled up on my sofa, and used my tablet to watch movies. As he watched, he even looked up and complained, "The internet is so slow."
I said, "...So was your act of being so diligent earlier just for show?"
He shook his head.
"Back then, if I wasn't diligent, you would've kicked me out."
"Now, it's different. You've already considered me a friend, so you won't just kick me out."
He yawned dramatically and said, "I'll take a nap first. When I wake up, I'll make you lunch. No takeout. Even if you order it, you can't eat it."
He was really meddling!
I rolled my eyes.
Then I thought of what he had just said and pursed my lips.
So, have I really started thinking of him as a friend? Just a little while ago, I hated him so much...
I looked at him, who had already fallen asleep, his brow, his eyes, and the slight rise and fall of his throat. I couldn't help but sigh.
Though I really didn't want to admit it, it seemed like I really didn't hate him anymore. Emotions can change so unexpectedly.
---
In the time that followed, Arthur didn't bombard me with information about "myself" like he had on the first day.
He barely mentioned my mental state either.
Instead, it was just the usual – cooking, eating, playing rock-paper-scissors, whoever lost had to wash the dishes.
Occasionally, he'd invite me to watch movies with him, including horror films with zombies and vampires. We'd both scream together and then play games to vent our frustration.
Outside, the wind howled.
Inside, the air was warm, thanks to the heater.
Arthur had somehow brought home a kitten, who obediently nestled in his arms, meowing at me.
"Don't cause trouble."
Arthur's fingers, with their sharp joints, rested on the kitten's head. He lazily pinched its ears.
"Baby, we're still in the territory of that two-legged creature. If she kicks us out, Daddy will have to take you to sleep on the streets."
I shot him a glare.
Arthur curved his lips into a smile.
