Kael's smirk curled slowly as he stood near the edge of his massive bed."Sit," he said, patting the space beside him, voice low and suggestive, "we'll talk here. Comfortably."
Elior stiffened.
He knew what that tone meant.He knew Kael wasn't just asking him to sit — he was pulling him closer, into his gravity, into the dangerous heat that always made Elior's heart race.
So Elior swallowed, turned away, and—walked to the couch at the side of the room.
A safe distance from the bed.From Kael.
He sat down gently, clutching his notebook on his lap, refusing to meet Kael's eyes.
Kael stopped.
One eyebrow rose.A slow, deep smirk formed… one that reached his eyes this time—dark, amused, a little predatory.
"Oh?" He murmured. "Running away from my bed, Elior?"
Before Elior could defend himself, Kael crossed the room, unhurried, confident, and sat right beside him on the couch.
So close Elior felt the warmth of his shoulder.
Kael leaned back slightly, voice innocent but eyes not innocent at all."Alright. Let's talk here then."
Elior inhaled softly. "C-can I… ask something? About your parents?"
Kael's expression shifted — still amused, but gentler.
"Of course."
Elior looked down at his hands. "Do you… live with them?"
Kael exhaled slowly, thoughtful.
"No. My parents and I lived in our main mansion from my childhood to adulthood. That was our true home. But… when I got older, I wanted a place of my own. Somewhere quieter. Somewhere I chose."
He gestured around the room.
"I've lived here for three to five years now. Whenever I miss them… I simply go back. They always gave me whatever I wanted. They love me more than anyone else ever has."
Elior's heart tightened.
A sting he didn't show on his face.But Kael saw it anyway—because Kael saw everything about him.
Kael's voice softened."Elior… what else do you want to know? Besides my parents."
Elior blinked, pulled from his small disappointment.
"Well… why do you live alone here? And in… this huge room? You have other rooms. Why this one? And… why is it private?"
Kael's eyes turned serious for the first time.
"Because this is the only place," he said quietly, "where I am not a son, not an heir, not a student. Just… me."
He brushed his fingers along the couch fabric.
"This room is my honesty, my mess, my habits, my silence… my real space. No one is allowed here."
Elior froze.A whisper left him. "N-no one?"
Kael nodded.
"You are the first person to ever enter this room besides me."A small smirk tugged his lips. "Not even my parents crossed this door."
Elior stared at him, eyes wide."T-then… why did you let me in?"
Kael leaned closer, voice lowering, warm and velvety.
"Because I wanted you here, Elior."His eyes dipped to Elior's lips, then to his eyes again."I wanted you to see the parts of me no one else will ever see. I like… letting you into my privacy."
Elior flushed, ears burning, breath catching.He turned away quickly, heart racing.
Kael smiled at that — soft, genuine, amused.
"So," Kael murmured, "what else are you curious about?"
Elior fumbled. "Um… your daily habits? Things you like? What you do alone? How you… live."
Kael hummed thoughtfully.
"Alright. Ask anything."
Elior looked at him shyly. "What time do you wake up?"
"Before sunrise," Kael answered softly. "I like silence before the world wakes. And you?"
Elior blinked. "I… wake up late sometimes. I'm not good at mornings."
Kael chuckled. "I noticed. It's cute."
Elior's blush deepened.
"What do you do after waking?" Elior continued.
"Practice," Kael replied. "Magic, sword, or reading. I don't like being idle. And you?"
"I… I write. Or study," Elior said, voice small. "Sometimes I just… stare outside the window."
Kael smiled gently. "I'd like to see that."
Elior's breath hitched.
"And," Elior asked, "what do you eat? You look like… you eat healthy."
Kael laughed under his breath.
"I don't care what I eat. But I cook when I'm stressed. And you?"
"I… burn everything I touch," Elior admitted quietly.
Kael leaned slightly closer. "Don't worry. I'll cook for you."
Elior stared at him, cheeks burning.
Kael tilted his head. "Anything else you want to know?"
Elior swallowed, courage rising. "What do you do when you're… lonely?"
Kael paused.
Then looked straight into Elior's eyes.
"…I come here," Kael murmured. "To this room. And now…"He reached out, brushing his fingers lightly near Elior's wrist without touching."…maybe I'll think of coming to you instead."
Elior's heart exploded in his chest.
The air between them shimmered—warm, intimate, filled with the quiet excitement of two people slowly discovering each other.
Not through magic.Not through fate.But through questions, answers, and the breathtaking thrill of knowing someone deeply.
A world inside a room.A room inside Kael.And now… Elior was inside both.
"..."
Their conversation drifted on effortlessly—soft laughter, quiet teasing, little questions that pulled them closer and closer without either noticing how much the distance had shrunk.
Elior talked with his hands, eyes sparkling whenever something excited him.Kael listened with a soft smile that he didn't even try to hide anymore.
Finally, Kael stood up."Come," he said gently, "let's get dinner."
Elior nodded, still smiling from their earlier banter, and followed him through the quiet corridors of the mansion.
The moment they entered the dining hall, Elior blinked in surprise.
The long table was already arranged—spotless, elegant, candles flickering softly.Platters were set in perfect symmetry, dishes arranged with the kind of care only someone desperate to impress would demand.
Elior didn't know it, but Kael had spent the entire afternoon giving orders.
Servants stepped back respectfully as the two sat down.
Kael glanced toward the kitchen door—his eyes sharp with silent threat and expectation—because the chef tonight was not just any chef.
He was the best Kael could find after hearing Elior say:
"My parents' homemade food is the best."
Kael had smiled that day.But inside?
He had burned.
And so tonight's dinner…was war.
One-sided, silent, dangerous jealousy-fueled war.
The dishes were served.
Warm broth with herbs.Soft bread with butter.Delicate spiced rice.Perfectly cooked vegetables.Tender meat in rich sauce.Creamy dessert waiting on the side.
Elior took a small bite of the first dish.
And froze.
Then his eyes widened.
"Kael…" he whispered, voice trembling, "this… this tastes like the food is dancing on my tongue."
Kael's shoulders straightened with a small, victorious spark in his eyes.
Elior took another bite.
Then another.
Then—he reached for another dish.And another.
Within minutes, he had tried nearly everything on the table.
"This is incredible," Elior said earnestly, voice full of wonder. "Kael… I mean it. I've never eaten anything this good. Everything is so—so perfect."
Kael hid his smirk by sipping water.
But inside?
He was glowing.
Better than your parents' food?Tell me it's better.Say it.Say I won.
Elior took a spoonful of the main dish, eyes softening.
"This tastes better than anything I've had at home…" he murmured.
Kael almost dropped his cup.
He looked away immediately, pretending not to care, but the corner of his mouth betrayed him—lifting in the happiest, most self-satisfied smirk he had worn all day.
Elior kept eating, praising each dish with genuine excitement.Kael watched him, leaning his chin on his hand, eyes warm.
"You like it that much?" Kael asked softly.
Elior nodded without hesitation. "I love it. Every single dish."
Kael didn't speak for a moment.
He simply absorbed it—the praise,Elior's bright eyes,the joy on his face,the way he reached for more food with childlike excitement.
Kael felt something warm uncurl in his chest.
Something simple.Something possessive.Something soft.
He ordered an entire chef for tonight just because Elior praised someone else's cooking.
And now Elior was praising his table.His food.His effort.
Kael leaned slightly closer, voice low, velvety.
"If you like it that much… Elior…"His eyes softened, a little shy, a little proud."…I'll make sure you always eat like this when you're with me."
Elior looked up, surprised—and smiled.
And Kael knew.
He'd gladly hire ten more chefsif it meant seeing that smile again.
"..."
The servants finished clearing the dining table, bowed once, and quietly stepped forward.Kael led Elior back to the long velvet couch, the fire crackling softly behind them.
Elior had barely sat when the servants suddenly formed a neat line in front of them, heads lowered in perfect discipline.
Elior straightened, startled."W–Why… why are they lining up now?"
Kael leaned back, a slow smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth—deep, knowing, almost proud."They're waiting," he said calmly, "to be introduced to someone important."
Elior blinked. "Important? Who?"
Kael turned toward him fully, his voice warm and firm."You."
Elior froze. "M-Me?"
Kael nodded, expression soft but serious."This mansion treats you as someone with priority.Someone they must respect, care for, and assist whenever you need anything."
He gestured lightly toward the servants."They will answer you before they answer me.If you want something, they'll do it without hesitation.If you need something, you ask them directly.From today… you're a person this house serves with their utmost attention."
Elior's mouth opened, shocked."Kael… you don't have to do this. I'm not— I don't want everyone treating me like—"
Kael cut him gently, voice low and honest.
"I want them to treat you like this."His eyes softened, a faint ache hidden under the warmth."You deserve to be taken care of properly here.Not as a guest.Not as a stranger.As someone who belongs in this space."
Elior's breath hitched—his heart tightening at the feeling he couldn't quite name.
Kael continued, trying to keep it light but unable to hide the sincerity:
"They'll bring you whatever you ask for.Guide you if you're lost.Protect you inside these walls.This place… it's safe for you."
Elior looked down, overwhelmed."This is too much…"
Kael leaned closer, his shoulder brushing Elior's lightly, an intimate, reassuring touch.
"It's not too much for me," he said softly."And I'm not ignoring your words, Elior…I'm choosing to give you what I want you to have."
The servants remained bowed, silent, waiting for Elior's acknowledgement.
Elior didn't know what to say.Kael didn't push.
He simply watched him with the quiet relief of someone who had finally placed something precious back into its rightful place.
"..."
After dinner and the long conversation, Elior rubbed his eyes."It's late… where should I sleep?"
Kael smirked immediately."You can sleep with me."
Elior's face burned."I'm asking seriously! Don't joke!"
Kael only laughed softly and showed him a large peaceful room."Freshen up. Then… come to my room. There's something I want to tell you."
Elior didn't know why Kael had something important to say so late, but he washed up, lay on the soft bed, and then remembered.
Kael asked him to come.
So he went to the third floor and knocked.
Kael opened instantly — as if he'd been waiting behind the door.
"Come in."
Elior stepped in quietly, not noticing Kael locking the door behind him with a small smirk.
"Sit," Kael said.
Elior sat on the couch, curious."What did you want to tell me?"
Kael didn't answer.He simply walked toward him — slow, steady, eyes fixed on Elior like he was something he couldn't look away from.
Elior's smile faded."W-Why are you coming closer like that?"
Kael tilted his head."What do you think?"
Elior swallowed."I think nothing. It's late. If there's nothing important, I'll go sleep—"
Kael stopped right in front of him, leaning until their breaths brushed.
"You slipped away from me this morning," he whispered."I'm not letting that happen tonight."
Elior's heart thudded."Kael… let me sleep—"
Kael exhaled softly, finally speaking the truth.
"I called you here to ask something you'd refuse if I said it normally."
Elior tensed, waiting."…Ask what?"
Kael lowered his voice, almost shyly.
"Sleep beside me.I want to cuddle you."
Elior blinked, stunned."W-Why do you… need to cuddle me?"
Kael looked at him for a long moment — then spoke in the most innocent, painfully sincere tone:
"Because I want to.And friends can do that too… right?Why can't you do it with me?"
Elior's breath caught.
Kael continued softly, almost hurt:
"You said you want to get to know me.You said you want to be my friend.But you won't even let me cuddle you…Why?"His eyes lowered, troubled."Do you not want to be my friend?Am I misunderstanding your sincerity?"
Elior's chest tightened painfully."That's not— I didn't say I don't want to be your friend—"
Kael whispered,"Then why does it feel like you're pushing me away?I'm not asking for anything else.Just… warmth.Just this closeness."
The hurt in his voice made Elior freeze.He had never seen Kael look this vulnerable.
"…F-Fine," Elior finally whispered."Only cuddling."
Kael's eyes softened instantly — relieved, warm, tender.
Kael guided Elior gently to the bed.
Elior lay down stiffly at first, not knowing what to do with his hands.Kael didn't rush — he moved slowly, watching Elior's face for any discomfort.
Kael shifted closer… closer…until his head rested directly on Elior's chest, ear pressed over the steady rhythm of Elior's heartbeat.His arms slid around Elior's waist, holding him with soft, instinctive warmth.
Elior froze — breath catching — feeling every inch of Kael's weight and quiet trust settling against him.
Kael's voice came out low, sleepy, honest:
"…Your heartbeat feels calm…"
Elior swallowed hard, cheeks warm, hands hovering uselessly at his sides.Kael didn't ask for more — he simply nuzzled the side of Elior's chest lightly, releasing the kind of tired sigh people make only when they finally feel safe.
Something inside Elior softened.
Slowly… carefully…
He lifted one handand placed it gently on Kael's head, fingers brushing through the soft strands.
Kael's breath hitched — a tiny, satisfied sound.
Then Elior's other handrested on Kael's back, warm and protective, his palm moving in one hesitant, soothing stroke.
Kael exhaled deeply — the breath of someone who finally let go of every weight in his chest.A small, quiet smile touched his lips — not teasing, not possessive, just peaceful.
With Elior's heartbeat under his ear,with Elior's touch in his hair,with the warmth around him—
Kael fell asleep with deep and complete satisfaction, as if this one embrace was something his soul had been starving for.
Elior's shoulders slowly relaxed.Holding Kael felt unexpectedly right — grounding, comforting in a way he didn't know he needed.
Gently, slowly,Elior drifted to sleep too,Kael safe in his arms,the moonlight wrapping around them like a soft, quiet blessing.
Two hearts,two breaths,one warmth—
in perfect, unspoken harmony.
"..."
Cuddling is where love breathes the quietest,yet speaks the loudest.
It is the moment when two hearts forget the worldand learn the shape of each other's warmth.No urgency.No desire.Just the soft promise: "I'm here, and you're safe."
Arms wrapped around a body,but really… around a soul.A head resting on a chest,but really… on a heartbeat that whispers comfort in every beat.
Cuddling is the kind of intimacythat doesn't ask for anythingyet gives everything.
It is warmth shared through fabric,soft breaths mixing in the dim light,the hush of two bodies fitting togetherlike they were sculpted from the same moment of longing.
It is the kind of closenesswhere silence becomes music —where a simple inhale feels like trust,and a simple exhale feels like home.
And in that fragile, perfect stillness,something rare blooms:a peace so gentleit settles into the bones.
Because sometimes,the purest form of loveis not a kiss,not a confession,not even a touch filled with passion—
but simply the quiet miracleof holding someoneand feeling the world grow warmaround the shape of their existence.
—by Aurea;"Sometimes the softest touch is the one that teaches the heart how to breathe again."