Chapter 9: Morning Mischief

Waking Up in Trouble

Iris woke up to warmth.

A lot of warmth.

Her brain took a few seconds to register that she wasn't alone in bed, and then it took another few seconds to process the weight wrapped around her waist.

She blinked.

Luke was practically draped over her, his arms securely wrapped around her middle, his face buried in her neck. His long legs tangled with hers, making it impossible for her to move. His breathing was slow and even, the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back lulling her into a strange state of comfort.

Her lips parted slightly as she stared at the ceiling.

She should move.

She should wake him up.

But instead, she just—laid there.

For a moment, she let herself enjoy the warmth, the security of his arms around her. The way his grip tightened slightly even in sleep, like he didn't want to let go.

Then—

"I know you're awake."

Iris froze.

Luke's voice was low, thick with sleep, his lips brushing against her skin as he spoke.

Her heart did a somersault.

"I—" She swallowed. "I wasn't sure if I should wake you."

Luke let out a deep sigh, his hold on her tightening for a brief second before he finally loosened his grip. "Mmm. I was having a nice dream, though."

Iris turned her head slightly, enough to catch the sleepy smirk tugging at his lips.

She raised a brow. "What kind of dream?"

Luke's smirk widened as he propped himself up on one elbow, hovering slightly over her. "The kind where I wake up to a pretty girl in my arms."

Iris groaned, shoving at his chest. "You are impossible."

Luke chuckled, finally rolling onto his back and stretching. His shirt rode up slightly, revealing a sliver of toned skin that Iris absolutely did not look at.

Definitely not.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, turning his head to look at her.

She exhaled, rubbing her face. "Surprisingly, yes."

Luke grinned. "See? I make a great human pillow."

Iris shot him a look. "A clingy one."

He shrugged, unbothered. "What can I say? You're comfy."

Iris rolled her eyes and sat up. "We should probably get up."

Luke hummed but made no move to leave the bed. Instead, he grabbed her wrist and tugged her back down.

"Five more minutes," he murmured, eyes closing again.

Iris sighed, shaking her head. "You're such a baby."

Luke peeked at her through one eye. "But you love it."

She scoffed, but her lips betrayed her with a small smile.

Maybe she did. Just a little.

Kitchen Chaos

After much struggle (and a lot of whining from Luke), they finally dragged themselves out of bed and into the kitchen.

Luke leaned against the counter, watching as Iris rummaged through his fridge.

"You have nothing in here," she said, unimpressed.

Luke smirked. "I wasn't exactly planning on hosting a bed-and-breakfast, sunshine."

She threw him a look over her shoulder. "Well, if I'm staying over, we need to eat something other than instant ramen."

Luke placed a hand over his heart. "You wound me."

Iris ignored him, grabbing a few ingredients. "I'll cook something quick."

Luke's eyes lit up. "You can cook?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I can cook."

"Perfect." He grinned, stepping behind her. "I'll help."

She turned, instantly suspicious. "Do you actually know how to cook, or are you going to get in my way?"

Luke placed a hand on his chest. "I am deeply offended."

"That's not a no."

He smirked. "I'll do whatever you want, honey."

She tried not to react to the nickname. Tried.

"Fine," she said, turning back to the stove. "Chop those vegetables."

Luke saluted. "Yes, ma'am."

For a while, they worked in sync—until Luke started getting too close.

"I swear if you hover over my shoulder one more time—"

"I'm just admiring your skills," he said innocently, resting his chin on her shoulder.

Iris froze for half a second before shoving him away. "Luke, move!"

He laughed, raising his hands in surrender. "You're cute when you're flustered."

"I will burn your food."

Luke smirked. "Worth it."

She groaned. "You're the worst."

And yet, she couldn't stop smiling.

A Quiet Moment

After breakfast, they sat on the couch, the morning light spilling through the windows.

Luke stretched, draping an arm over the back of the couch. "So, sunshine, how does it feel to officially crash at my place?"

Iris gave him a look. "I haven't officially crashed here."

Luke smirked. "Oh? So you're leaving?"

She hesitated.

His smirk widened. "Exactly."

Iris sighed, shaking her head. "I should be worried about how comfortable I'm getting with you."

Luke leaned in slightly. "Comfortable enough to stay forever?"

She snorted. "Don't push your luck."

He grinned. "I like a challenge."

She rolled her eyes but didn't move away when he reached out, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.

For a second, neither of them spoke.

Then Luke exhaled, a small smile playing on his lips. "You know… I like having you here."

Iris blinked.

It wasn't his usual teasing tone. It was softer, more sincere.

She felt something warm settle in her chest.

"…I like being here too."

Luke's gaze flickered to hers, something unreadable in his expression.

Then—

He smirked. "You're just saying that because of my world-class cuddling skills."

Iris groaned. "And there it is."

Luke laughed, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "Come on, admit it. You love it."

She sighed dramatically. "I tolerate it."

Luke grinned, squeezing her shoulder. "Close enough."

And somehow, that morning felt like the beginning of something new.

Something neither of them were ready to admit just yet.