The soft glow of the early morning sun gently spilled through the half-drawn curtains, painting the room in hues of warm gold and delicate ivory. Sunbeams filtered through the sheer white fabric, casting soft, dancing patterns across the plush white bed, still slightly rumpled from the intimacy of the night before.
The bed itself seemed almost enchanted, adorned with scattered velvety red rose petals, their deep crimson creating a striking contrast against the pristine white silk sheets. The faint, lingering fragrance of roses mingled with the crisp morning air, filling the room with a subtle, timeless sweetness.
Kevin lay on his side, his breathing slow and steady, his face completely relaxed, free from the worries of the waking world. His strong arm rested protectively around Xier, holding her close even in sleep, his fingers loosely intertwined with hers as though afraid to let go. His dark hair caught the soft morning light, giving him an almost ethereal softness, though faint shadows lingered beneath his closed eyes—a quiet testament to how completely drained he'd been.
Xier lay nestled against him, her delicate frame perfectly molded to his embrace, her long, dark hair cascading like silk over the white pillows. Her skin seemed to glow faintly in the gentle light, touched by the warmth of dawn's caress. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat—a reassuring, grounding sound that seemed to echo through her entire being.
The room remained still, wrapped in a peaceful, enchanted quiet, as though the very air had been blessed by the intimacy they shared. The soft rustling of distant leaves outside the open window mingled with the gentle chirping of early birds, adding a natural rhythm to the quiet serenity.
The world outside felt far away, irrelevant, as though nothing existed beyond this room filled with soft whispers of affection and silent promises.
Even in sleep, their bodies remained entwined, bound not just by warmth, but by something deeper, something neither of them fully understood yet.
---
I woke up slowly, heavily, as if something thick and soft was wrapping around my entire body, making every movement feel lethargic. My limbs felt like lead, weighed down by some unknown exhaustion that refused to let go.
For a moment, I thought I was still dreaming.
The first thing I noticed was her scent—soft, sweet, like fresh blooms kissed by the morning dew. It lingered in the air, comforting and enveloping, grounding me in a way that felt both familiar and strangely intimate.
I blinked slowly, my eyes adjusting to the soft, golden morning light spilling across the room. The silky sheets beneath me felt cool and luxurious, contrasting with the warmth pressed gently against my chest.
Xier…
I turned my head slightly, finding her nestled against me, her long, dark hair spilling like a waterfall across the pristine white pillows. Her face rested peacefully near my shoulder, her delicate features still touched by the soft glow of morning light.
God… she's beautiful.
I let out a slow breath, momentarily losing myself in how perfectly serene she looked—like a dream. But as I tried to shift, a wave of deep fatigue crashed over me, making me groan softly.
"Why am I still so tired…?" I mumbled, my voice rough from sleep. "I was exhausted last night, but this feels… different."
I felt her stir slightly in my arms, her warm breath brushing softly against my neck. Slowly, she lifted her head, her amber eyes catching mine, shimmering with something unreadable.
There was love in her gaze—intense, undeniable, but also something more… conflicted. Her expression flickered, as if she were both happy and uncertain all at once.
Was she… worried?
"You okay?" I asked softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "You look like… you've got something on your mind."
Her lips parted slightly, as though she wanted to say something important, but she hesitated. For a fleeting second, I thought I saw a hint of regret… or fear? But then, her expression softened into a small, tender smile.
"I'm fine…" she whispered, her voice gentle yet distant, as if hiding something just beneath the surface.
For a fleeting moment, she seemed lost in her thoughts—her amber eyes shimmering with conflict she probably didn't even realize was showing. Her brows knitted ever so slightly, as if she were fighting something deep within, something she couldn't quite let surface.
She wasn't just beautiful.
There was a raw honesty in her expression that captivated me. The vulnerability she seemed so unaware of made her more real, more human than anyone I'd ever met.
My chest tightened—not from fear or confusion, but from something deeper, something undeniable.
I might be falling for her…
Her gaze softened again as if she sensed my lingering eyes, though her hesitation still lingered just beneath the surface. She offered me a small, faint smile, but it was fragile, as if she were trying to convince herself everything was okay.
I didn't know what was haunting her, what shadows she carried… but I wanted to understand. I needed to be the one she could turn to—not out of obligation or curiosity, but because she already felt woven into my world.
And without thinking, I reached out, brushing my fingertips gently across her cheek.
Her breath hitched ever so slightly, her skin soft and warm beneath my touch. Her eyes widened just enough for me to see the conflicted emotions she was trying so hard to hide.
I see you…
"You don't have to pretend with me…" I whispered, barely realizing the words had left my mouth.
She blinked slowly, searching my face, her lips parting as if she wanted to speak—but no words came. Her fingers lightly brushed against my hand on her cheek, her touch trembling just enough to break my heart.
I don't care what you're hiding.
I care about you.