Story Chapter 47: Unknown Object

Haruka lay comfortably across her bed, finally enjoying the peaceful warmth of her room. After everything that had happened in her nightmare, the softness of her mattress felt almost heavenly. “Ahh...” She relaxed against her pillow and closed her eyes for a moment. Then, almost absentmindedly, Haruka slid both hands underneath the pillow. Her fingers searched around for a more comfortable position. But then— Her hand touched something. Hard. Haruka froze. “...Huh?” She carefully felt it again. Whatever it was, it definitely wasn't part of the pillow. Her relaxed expression disappeared. “What's that...?” She slowly pulled her hand back. Then she suddenly sat upright with a startled gasp. “Ah!” Her heart gave a quick jolt. Haruka stared suspiciously at the pillow. For several seconds, she didn't move. “What... did I just touch?” She swallowed nervously. The strange discovery was especially unsettling because she had no memory of putting anything underneath her pillow. Slowly, Haruka reached toward it again—but stopped halfway. “Okay... don't panic.” She took a cautious breath. “It's probably nothing.” But despite her attempt to reassure herself, an uneasy feeling remained. Haruka stared at the pillow in silence. Something was hidden underneath it. And she had no idea what. The chapter ends.