The Closed Gate

The cold mornings were always the hardest.

Even with the heating system preset to create a comfortable temperature, Wataru still struggled to leave the warmth of his bed. Yet, the soothing heat of the blanket, combined with the softness of a warm body beside him, made the transition into wakefulness a little easier.

He slowly stirred, his senses gradually sharpening.

"Phew… That was… quite a response last night," he murmured.

Turning his head, Wataru looked at Stella, who lay sleeping peacefully beside him. Wrapped snugly in the covers, her face radiated a serene happiness, a stark contrast to the passionate frenzy of the previous night.

Wataru gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, taking a moment to admire her delicate features. Her skin glowed faintly, illuminated by the morning light filtering through the curtains.