Sana hides his pain, but it still shows on his face.
Alice notices immediately, her expression filled with worry.
Suddenly, she grabs his shoulder and gently pushes him back onto the bed.
Sana is surprised by her action, but he doesn't resist.
Her touch makes his heart beat faster.
In the quiet room, Alice can clearly hear it.
"You're still hurt… you need to rest."
Sana blushes slightly.
"Yeah… but you need a proper place to rest too."
Alice freezes for a moment, realizing how close she is to him.
Her face turns red as she slowly pulls back.
"Just staying here and watching over you is enough… don't worry about me… my hero."
She forces a small smile.
Sana can't ignore her.
His face turns even redder.
"You… can lie down next to me."
Why did I say that…? That sounds so weird…
Alice blushes deeply.
"Are you sure…? What if I accidentally hurt you while I sleep?"
Sana takes a breath, calming himself.
"I just don't want you to be uncomfortable… The weather is cold… maybe… it'll feel warmer."
Alice smiles softly.
"Then… I'll accept your excuse."
She lies down beside him.
Sana feels his heart racing even more.
This doesn't feel real… Why does the pain fade when she's here…?
Did I… fall for her already…?
Alice looks at his face and gently touches his cheek.
Sana is startled, his heartbeat getting even faster.
She then places her hand on his chest.
"Your heart is beating so fast… are you nervous?"
But her own hand trembles slightly.
Sana smiles and holds her hand.
"You're nervous too."
Alice blushes and hides her face, but she doesn't pull her hand away.
"This is my first time… sleeping next to someone," Sana says quietly.
Alice looks at him.
"Me too…"
The atmosphere becomes awkward but warm.
Neither of them knows what to say next.
Sana tries to sleep, but his mind is a mess.
Alice, on the other hand, feels guilty.
She quietly checks his wounds.
Sana knows what she's doing, but he lets her.
When she touches a deeper wound, he winces in pain.
Alice quickly pulls back.
"I'm sorry…"
Tears begin to fall again.
Sana gently holds her hand.
"I told you… it's not your fault. I chose to do it."
Her hand trembles, but his warmth steadies her.
"Your hand… is so warm…"
She presses his hand softly against her cheek.
Sana smiles and strokes her hair.
"You're like a crying baby, Alice."
Tears still remain in her eyes, but she smiles.
"You're the only one who can see this side of me…"
Sana gently wipes away her tears.
"My hero… makes me feel so weak…"
Sana smiles softly.
"Then your hero commands you… go to sleep."
Alice hides her blush.
"…Yes, my precious hero."
Sana is exhausted.
He slowly falls asleep.
Alice watches his sleeping face.
"Sleep well… my hero…"
Her soft voice is like a lullaby.
"You make me feel safe…"
She smiles…
and slowly falls asleep too—
still holding his hand tightly.