Scene: Akira's Room – Early Morning Light
The mission had ended, the night wind had cooled, and the stars had long since drifted away.
After their quiet moment on the deck, Yuki had dozed off leaning against Akira's chest. Her breathing had slowed, her arms still looped around him, even as sleep gently claimed her.
Akira looked down at her sleeping form and whispered with a small smile, "Even the strongest fall when the heart is full."
He scooped her into his arms, careful not to wake her. Her room was all the way across the barracks wing, and he didn't have the heart to make her walk. The night had been warm, and the sky soft, so he carried her silently to his room instead—his footsteps light, his arms steady.
Inside, the room was quiet, lit only by the glow of a single starlight lamp. He set her down on the bed gently, pulling the blanket over her with care. Her fingers twitched slightly, but she didn't wake.
Akira stripped off his shirt—too warm from the lingering heat of the summer night—and sat on the floor beside the bed with a slow exhale.
But before long, the exhaustion hit him too. He climbed onto the far side of the bed, careful to stay respectful, and slept with his back to her, the sound of her breathing his only comfort.
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Morning
Soft light filtered in through the window blinds, casting silver patterns across the room. Birds chirped faintly in the distance.
Yuki stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open.
The bed felt... unfamiliar.
She blinked, then sat up halfway—confused for a second—until she saw the room around her.
> "Wait… this isn't…"
Then she turned—and saw Akira beside her, bare-chested, still asleep.
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
> "A-Ah—"
But before she could move or panic, she stopped.
His face in sleep was peaceful. Calm. So rarely unguarded.
She smiled gently, the initial shock melting into warmth.
He had carried her here. Protected her. Let her rest.
Yuki leaned down and hugged him softly from behind, her arms wrapping around his back, her cheek pressing against his shoulder.
Akira stirred and opened his eyes slowly.
> "Morning…" he murmured, voice rough with sleep.
Yuki just hugged him tighter.
> "Thank you… for always making me feel safe."
He turned slightly to face her, a sleepy smile spreading across his lips.
> "Always, Yuki. Even in dreams."
They stayed like that for a few minutes—no rush, no need for words.
Just hearts, held close, full of quiet affection.
Then Yuki leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.
> "Let's face the day. Together."
Akira nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
> "Together. Always."
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