Reina watched Rui Griffin's figure as he turned toward the door, and suddenly, panic surged through her chest.
"No!"
The word escaped before she could stop it.
It felt like a nightmare unfolding again—like being left behind all over again. Her heart pounded as she threw off the covers and rushed forward.
"Please… don't go."
Her arms wrapped around his waist from behind, clinging tightly, as if letting go would mean losing him completely.
Rui stilled.
He glanced down at her trembling hands, then turned to face her. His dark eyes searched hers, puzzled but softening.
"My dear?"
"Don't leave… I'm scared," Reina whispered, her voice shaking.
For a moment, he said nothing. Then he gently took her hands and held them between his own.
"Do you really want me to stay?"
"Yes," she answered immediately, her gaze lifting to meet his. "I don't want to be alone tonight."
Something in her expression—fragile, earnest—made his stern demeanor ease.
Reina hesitated, then gathered her courage. Standing on her toes, she pressed a shy, uncertain kiss to his lips. It was clumsy, fleeting… but sincere.
Rui blinked in surprise.
She tried again, a little more determined this time, though her nervousness was obvious.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
He reached up, gently cupping her face, steadying her. Then he leaned down, closing the distance between them, returning the kiss—slow, warm, and reassuring.
When he pulled back slightly, his voice dropped, softer now.
"That's not how you should be kissing me."
Before she could react, he brushed his lips against hers again—this time more deliberately, guiding her, patient and unhurried.
Reina felt her tension begin to melt away.
"Rui…" she murmured, her voice barely above a breath as she rested her head against his chest.
He stroked her hair, his touch gentler than before, as if she were something delicate.
"I'm here," he said quietly.
The fear that had gripped her slowly loosened, replaced by a warmth she hadn't expected.
He tilted her chin up slightly, his gaze steady, searching.
"Get some rest," he murmured. "I won't leave."
Reina nodded, her fingers still lightly clutching his shirt, as if needing that reassurance.
And this time, when she closed her eyes, she didn't feel alone.