Chapter 6: A Place in His World

The morning in Busan felt different—softer, calmer, as if the entire city moved at a slower pace. The gentle sound of waves rolling onto the shore blended with the muffled voices coming from downstairs. The scent of sea breeze mixed with the faint aroma of breakfast, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.

But that wasn't what made Iris hesitate to move.

It was the warmth pressed against her back.

The solid weight of an arm draped over her waist.

The slow, steady breathing against her neck.

Her lips parted slightly as her mind slowly registered the situation.

Luke was curled up beside her, his body completely wrapped around hers. His chest was pressed against her back, his face buried in the crook of her neck, his breath fanning over her skin. His arm was firm around her waist, holding her close like she was a pillow he refused to let go of.

Iris blinked, staring at the ceiling.

Okay… this was new.

She had fallen asleep before him last night, exhausted from the day they had spent roaming Busan. She remembered lying on the bed, listening to Luke talk about some childhood story, but she must've drifted off before he finished. She hadn't expected to wake up with him practically attached to her like a koala.

Carefully, she turned her head slightly, trying to get a look at his face.

Big mistake.

Even in sleep, he looked devastatingly handsome. His black hair was tousled in a way that should've made him look messy but somehow made him look effortlessly perfect. His usually sharp features were softened by sleep, his lips slightly parted, his dark lashes resting against his cheekbones.

He looked… peaceful.

And, if she was being honest with herself, painfully adorable.

She bit her lip, contemplating if she should wake him up. But he looked so relaxed, and for once, there was no teasing smirk on his lips or cocky remarks falling from his mouth.

Instead, she reached up, her fingers hesitating before they lightly brushed through his hair.

Soft.

She knew this was dangerous. Letting herself enjoy this—letting herself get attached. But she couldn't stop her fingers from threading through his dark locks, watching as he unconsciously leaned into her touch.

A small, sleepy hum left his lips.

Then—

"I knew you liked my hair."

Iris froze.

Luke's voice was thick with sleep, his lips curling into a smug smile even as he kept his eyes closed. His grip on her waist tightened slightly.

She scoffed, pulling her hand away. "You were awake?"

"Mm." He nuzzled into her neck. "I was enjoying it too much to say anything."

Iris rolled her eyes, heat creeping up her neck. "You're unbelievable."

Luke's hold on her didn't loosen. If anything, he just pulled her closer. "And you're comfy. Let's stay like this a little longer."

She huffed, trying to ignore the way her heart did a little flip. "You're acting like a giant baby."

"Your giant baby," he murmured.

Iris stiffened.

The room suddenly felt too warm, and her brain short-circuited at his words. He was teasing, obviously, but something about the way he said it—the low, husky tone of his morning voice—sent a shiver down her spine.

Luke peeked one eye open, his gaze filled with amusement as he took in her flustered expression. "Did I break you, sunshine?"

Iris scowled, shoving him away. "Get off me, idiot."

Luke laughed, finally rolling onto his back and stretching his arms above his head. His muscles flexed slightly under the fabric of his t-shirt, and Iris quickly looked away before her brain could betray her further.

"You're blushing," he teased.

"I am not."

"You totally are." He smirked, reaching over to flick her forehead. "Cute."

Iris groaned, throwing the nearest pillow at him before slipping out of bed. "I'm going to get breakfast before your mom thinks we died up here."

Luke grinned. "I'd die happy if it was in your arms."

"Shut up, Luke."

His laughter followed her out the door.

Breakfast with the Jeons

Luke's mother had made a full spread of food, filling the table with warm soup, rice, kimchi, and side dishes.

"You two slept in," Mrs. Jeon said, placing another dish on the table. "Late night?"

Luke grinned. "Yeah, I was busy cuddling with Iris."

Iris nearly choked on air.

Mrs. Jeon chuckled. "Oh, I like her already."

Iris glared at Luke, but he just sent her a wink. She sighed, deciding not to argue in front of his mother.

His father, however, observed quietly, his sharp gaze studying her. She wasn't sure if it was out of curiosity or something else.

"So, Iris," Mr. Jeon finally spoke. "What do you do?"

She smiled politely, choosing her words carefully. "I'm currently just exploring. Trying new things."

Luke's mother raised a brow. "That's exciting. So, what do you think of Korea so far?"

"I love it," Iris said honestly. "It's… refreshing. Different from what I'm used to."

Luke smirked. "I'd like to think I'm the reason she likes it so much."

She rolled her eyes. "You flatter yourself too much."

Mr. Jeon hummed, his gaze flickering between them before nodding. "You're a good influence on him."

Iris blinked. "I—"

"I agree," Mrs. Jeon added. "He seems more… free around you."

Iris glanced at Luke, but he simply shrugged, acting like the conversation wasn't affecting him.

But something about the way he tapped his fingers against the table told her otherwise.

A Day in Busan

The rest of the day was spent exploring. Luke took her to all his favorite places—the street markets, the best food stalls, and even a small hidden beach where he used to go whenever he needed to clear his mind.

"I used to sit here for hours," he admitted, watching the waves. "Thinking about the future. Wondering if I was making the right choices."

Iris tilted her head. "And now?"

Luke turned to her, a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze. "Now, I don't think so much about the future. I just… live."

Something about the way he said it made her heart ache. Because she couldn't afford to just live—not in the way he meant.

She forced a smile. "Sounds nice."

Luke nudged her shoulder. "You're doing it too, you know. Living."

Iris exhaled softly, staring at the ocean. "Yeah."

And for today, she let herself believe it.

Nighttime Confessions

Back at the house, they sat on the back porch, watching the sky darken.

"Tomorrow, we head back," Luke said, stretching.

Iris hummed. "It was nice… being here. With you."

Luke glanced at her, something soft in his expression before he reached over and gently flicked her forehead.

"Don't get sentimental on me now, sunshine."

She laughed, swatting his hand away. "Shut up, Luke."

That night, when they went to bed, Luke once again ended up wrapped around her by morning.

And for the first time in a long time, Iris let herself believe that maybe—just maybe—she had found a place in someone's world.