Freda, am I in trouble?

Augustine and Charles had spent a blissful morning and afternoon together, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence, but as the clock ticked past four in the evening, Augustine reluctantly pulled himself from the bed, hurrying to get dressed.

Slipping into a sleek black suit and trouser, Augustine averted his gaze over to Charles.

With a gentle touch, he placed his hands on Charles's shoulder and gave a soft shake, his voice laced with affection. "Pookie, wake up," he murmured.

Charles burrowed deeper into the pillow, his face half-hidden as he let out a sleepy grunt.

His shoulders tensed slightly as he tried to shake off Augustine's gentle nudging, determined to cling to sleep for just a little longer.

But Augustine was just as persistent.

The more Charles shrugged Augustine off, the more he continued his soft, teasing shakes.

After a few moments of this playful back-and-forth, Augustine let out a quiet chuckle.