Seirion woke before Erian. For a moment, he allowed himself to remain still, listening to Erian's soft, steady breathing, feeling the warmth of that fragile body clinging to him as if he were a refuge.
Seirion lowered his gaze. His arms still surrounded Erian, and the closeness was so intimate that, for an instant, he forgot who he was. He could have deceived himself into believing they shared a home and an ordinary life. But reality was not that.
When Erian's clouded eyes half-opened, the calm of that moment shattered.
Seirion swallowed and, awkwardly, murmured:
"Forgive me… this is inappropriate. A couple that isn't married shouldn't sleep together."
Erian lifted his face slightly, his lips trembling in a smile that seemed mischievous.
"Then marry me and the problem's solved."
Seirion froze. His throat closed as if he had swallowed fire.
"I-I… that… no… it's not that simple…" he stammered, unable to keep his composure.
