Rui Griffin lay still, his breathing slow and even, completely at rest.
Reina watched him quietly.
This morning, when she woke, he hadn't been there. She had assumed he'd gone to work early—busy, distant, like someone from a different world.
But now, seeing him like this… so unguarded… it felt unreal.
Her gaze softened as it traced the lines of his face—the sharp bridge of his nose, the calm set of his features.
Without thinking, she lifted her hand slightly—
Then froze.
What am I doing…?
A blush crept across her cheeks.
Embarrassed by her own thoughts, she turned away, but her body instinctively shifted closer to him, drawn by the warmth he gave off.
Somewhere along the way, she drifted back to sleep.
In the middle of the night, Rui stirred.
He felt something—soft, warm—pressed against him.
Opening his eyes slightly, he found Reina curled against his chest, holding onto him unconsciously.
For a moment, he simply watched her.
Then, a faint smile appeared.
Carefully, he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer, letting her rest securely against him as he closed his eyes again.
Just before dawn, Reina woke with a start.
Her breath caught, remnants of a nightmare still clinging to her chest.
But instead of emptiness—
She saw him.
Rui was right there.
His arm rested across her waist, his presence solid and real.
Reina exhaled slowly, the tension easing.
She carefully tried to move, not wanting to wake him.
But before she could slip away, his arm tightened slightly, drawing her back.
Her eyes widened—
And in the next second, he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against her lips.
"Mmm… awake?" he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
Reina's heart skipped.
He brushed her hair aside, his touch gentle but familiar now.
"You rested well?" he asked quietly.
Her face warmed under his gaze.
"Mm…" she nodded faintly.
Rui studied her for a moment, something deeper flickering in his eyes—less teasing this time, more intent.
But when he moved closer, it wasn't rushed.
He paused.
"Rei," he said softly, his voice steadier now. "Look at me."
She hesitated, then slowly met his eyes.
"Do you want this?" he asked.
No pressure.
No demand.
Just a question.
Reina's fingers curled lightly against him.
"…Yes," she whispered.
That was enough.
Rui leaned down, capturing her lips again—slower this time, more deliberate, as if making sure she could follow, could breathe, could choose.
When she tensed slightly, he stopped immediately, his hand coming up to cradle her face.
"Easy," he murmured. "We're not in a hurry."
Her grip on him tightened instead of pulling away.
"I'm okay…" she said softly.
He searched her expression—making sure.
Only then did he continue, his movements careful, attentive to every reaction she gave.
The earlier intensity was gone.
In its place was something steadier.
More controlled.
More real.
Reina's breathing softened, her body gradually relaxing as she leaned into him, trusting him to guide the moment.
And when the distance between them disappeared again—
the world faded quietly around them.