Morning light slipped through the gap in the curtains, soft rays spilling across the room as my eyes fluttered open, the chirping of birds outside pulling me awake.
The air felt fresh, crisp, but there was this weird heaviness around my back—like something pressing in, warm and steady.
"Ahm*…" I mumbled, shifting slow, my face turning as I chased that comforting heat behind me, my body still half-lost in sleep.
"Ehh…" I froze mid-turn, my breath catching sharp as I saw her. Aeri was right there, sleeping beside me, her dark hair fanned out on the pillow, her face peaceful and close—too close.
My heartbeat skipped, thudding hard in my chest, my face heating up fast, turning red as I stared. For a moment, it was just us—the birds chirping outside, her warm breaths brushing my skin, slow and even.
