Raising The Stakes

~Fourteen~

   Nanami Chiaki is standing there, thinner and looking more roughed up than she did the last time Hinata ever saw her. She looks exhausted and even a little sickly, and not even I know how she managed to get all of the ways back to Hinata. 

   Hinata is suddenly pulled into a tight hug. 

   "Hajime! Oh, thank God you still live here, and you're still alive! I was worried you would have moved away or-"

   He gently takes her by the shoulders and pries her off of him. "W-Wait, slow down. I. . .I. . .I'm just so happy to see you again!"

   "And I'm so happy to see you! I missed you so much!"

   "Hajime?" Komaeda calls from inside, "Is everything alright? I hear a lot of shouting."

   Nanami frowns, tilting her head to the side. "Who's that? You really replaced me?"

   "Well, in my defence, you were gone for a long time. . .there's a lot to catch you up on. Chiaki, where have you been?" And then shouting to Komaeda, "Everything's great!"

   She smiles. "So, can I come in? And maybe meet your friend?"

   "Um, yeah, sure, come on in!" Hinata responds loud enough for Komaeda to hear and stop the magic.

   Hinata guides Nanami inside, pulling the door shut behind them.

   "So, who have we here?" Komaeda asks, turning around and making eye contact with Nanami.

   Her eyes widen as she takes him in, her heart speeding up as she recognizes him from the other day. And from the surprise on the demon's face, he's recognized her too.

   The only thought going through his head is, 'Thank God I didn't eat Hajime's dear long-lost friend.' 

   "Komaeda Nagito, this is Nanami Chiaki-the one I told you about? She literally just showed up on my doorstep!" Hinata declares proudly. 

   Komaeda is the first to mask his surprise, extending a hand to the lady. "It is so lovely to meet you, Nanami-san. Hajime has told me so much about you."

   She slowly takes his hand. "Y-Yes, nice to meet you as well. Have you been taking care of Hajime while I was away?" 

   He smiles. "Not the entire time, but I've been doing my best. Huh, I guess I'm making dinner for three then. Hajime, take care of Nanami. She looks like she's about to catch her death!"

   Hinata nods. "You're right. I'll see if I can find you some fresh clothes, Chiaki. Oh, I'm sure Koizumi will have some! I'll be right back!"

   He jogs out the door, leaving Nanami alone with Komaeda.

   She glares at him. "You're a demon." She accuses.

   Komaeda blinks. "Congratulations on puzzling that out."

   "What are you doing with Hajime? What is your plan?" She demands.

   The demon smirks. "I have no plan. I'm simply courting him because I have fallen in love with him. And he loves me."

   "Please! Hajime is straight."

   "A lot has happened since you were gone. By the way, you should contact Sonia; she's been searching for you."

   "How do you know about S-Sonia?!"

   "I've been helping Hajime search for you. Because I genuinely care about him. . .I hope you will learn to trust me, Nanami-san. Was saving you from Enoshima not enough to prove that I am a good guy?"