Morning

The next morning.

Golden rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, slowly bathing the city in a warm glow. The once-dark skyline gradually brightened, signaling the start of a new day.

Inside Mike's apartment, the soft light seeped through the curtains, illuminating the room where both he and Serena lay. The warmth of the sun kissed Serena's face, gently stirring her from slumber.

Her eyelids fluttered slightly before slowly opening.

Her body felt light—unbelievably light. As if she had just experienced one of the most restful sleeps of her life. A sense of comfort lingered in her muscles, a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time.

She tried to sit up—

But couldn't.

A small frown formed on her face.

'What...? Why can't I move?'

Her half-lidded eyes blinked fully open as she gained full consciousness. And that's when she felt it—

A warmth surrounding her.

A firm yet gentle hold, keeping her close to something solid, something warm.

Her breathing hitched.

A hand was resting over her head, fingers lightly tangled in her hair. Another hand was placed on her lower back, pressing her against—

Serena froze.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as her mind caught up with reality.

Slowly—hesitantly—she tilted her head up, her gaze traveling upward. And then—

Her breath hitched again.

Mike.

His face was right there.

His peaceful, sleeping face just inches from hers.

And that wasn't all.

Her arms were wrapped around his chest as if she belonged there. Her head was buried against him, resting just above his heart, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

And lower—

Her legs were entangled with his.

A deep shade of red instantly spread across her cheeks.

'W-what the hell is this?!'

'W-why the hell am I sleeping on him?!' Serena's thoughts screamed in panic.

Her face burned with embarrassment as she fully grasped the situation. She needed to move—now—before Mike woke up and saw them like this.

Carefully, she tried to shift her body away, but-

She couldn't.

Mike's heavy arms, even in his sleep, kept her securely in place, as if refusing to let her go. Every slight movement only made his grip tighten. Her attempt to escape failed miserably.

'Damn it!'

Serena mentally cursed, both at herself and at Mike—for ending up in such an intimate position. The rational part of her mind screamed that this was inappropriate, that she needed to find a way out.

But then—

Something inside her wavered.

A strange warmth spread through her chest, drowning out her initial protests. A warmth that wasn't just from Mike's embrace—but from within her.

'Why… does this feel so nice?'

Her thoughts became hazy as she focused on the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her ear. It was so calming. So… reassuring.

Her grip on his shirt tightened ever so slightly.

And then—she did something she never thought she would.

Instead of pulling away, she pressed her face closer to his chest. Instead of resisting, she allowed her body to melt into his warmth.

She liked this. Being held like this. Being this close to him.

Completely vulnerable. Completely at his mercy. A soft sigh left her lips as she closed her eyes again, her body relaxing even further.

'Just a little longer.'

For once, she didn't want to wake up.

For once, she wanted time to stop, right at this very moment.

But then–

Suddenly, she felt Mike's body stir beneath her.

His arm moved from her head as he lazily rubbed his own. A soft yawn escaped his lips, and she could hear the faint rustling of the sheets as he shifted.

Serena tensed.

'Oh no…'

Her mind scrambled for a solution. She couldn't let him see her awake—not in this position. She *had* to do something!

Slowly, she cracked one eye open, just enough to peek at him.

Mike's eyes were still half-lidded, unfocused from sleep. But within seconds, he blinked fully awake.

Serena panicked and quickly shut her eyes again.

'Just act asleep!'

It was the only idea she could think of. And frankly, it was the best she had at the moment.

Mike let out a small sigh before looking down at her. His gaze lingered on her peaceful expression, her slow, rhythmic breathing.

"She's still sleeping…" he murmured to himself.

He didn't move, didn't try to wake her. He just lay there, watching her.

Mike straightened up slightly, adjusting his position, and in doing so, Serena's body naturally moved along with him. Before she could even think about reacting, he had already pulled her into his lap once again, holding her securely.

Her head remained pressed against his chest as she continued her act, pretending to be asleep. But inside, her mind was a chaotic mess.

She could feel everything—the warmth of his body, the steady rise and fall of his chest, the strong yet gentle grip he had on her waist. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure he would notice any second now.

A strange warmth spread through her, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. She didn't understand it, but whatever it was, it felt… good. Really, really good.

Mike, unaware of the storm in her mind, let out a small sigh. His grip on her lower back tightened just slightly, pulling her a little closer. Then, with his other hand, he reached up and placed it over her head once more.

Slowly, gently, he started to pat her head.

Serena's breath hitched.

The soft, rhythmic motion of his fingers, the warmth of his palm, the way he did it so naturally—it made something deep inside her melt. She felt… cherished.

Her face burrowed even deeper into his chest, her body going completely still, as if afraid that even the slightest movement would make this moment disappear.

She should move.

She should stop this.

But she didn't.

Because for the first time in a long while… she didn't want to.

Mike lowered his head slightly, his lips just inches away from Serena's ear. His voice came out in a soft whisper, filled with warmth and hesitation.

"Miss… did you sleep well last night?"

Unaware that she was awake and merely pretending, he continued, his voice laced with something almost… tender.

"Last night… you were really desperate to be close to me while sleepwalking."

A short pause.

Mike exhaled, his breath grazing against her skin, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. His grip on her waist tightened ever so slightly, as if recalling the moment.

"And… I couldn't hold myself back either."

His voice grew quieter, almost as if he were speaking more to himself than to her.

"I hope… you'll forgive me for that."

Serena's heart pounded wildly in her chest.

She had expected embarrassment, maybe even awkwardness when Mike woke up. But this? The way his voice held that slight edge of guilt… as if he had done something wrong, when in reality, all he did was hold her—protect her.

Mike's voice remained low, carrying a hint of hesitation yet sincerity.

"It's not completely my fault that I ended up like this with you…" he murmured, his fingers unconsciously tracing small circles on her back. "You looked really cute and beautiful… last night."

Serena's mind went into overdrive.

'Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Why is my heartbeat going crazy?! It's not like he's… proposing to me or something!'

Her face, already warm from before, burned even hotter. But luckily, it was still buried in his chest—hidden from Mike's view.

She tried to keep her breathing steady, but every second in his embrace made it harder.

Then, he stopped. The gentle patting on her head ceased. She barely had time to process it before she felt his weight shift, and then—

A soft, warm sensation pressed against the top of her head, on her silky white hairs.

A kiss.

A quiet gasp escaped her lips before she could stop it.

But she didn't move.

Didn't flinch.

Didn't push him away.

Something about it, about this moment—felt too fragile to break. Her mind blanked, drowning in emotions she didn't understand.

And then, Mike's arms moved.

One hand slid from her lower back down to her thighs. The other hand went on same track.

Before she could react, she felt herself being lifted.

Mike stood up from the mattress, carrying her effortlessly in his arms. Her legs dangled slightly, her thighs against his body, while his strong arms held her securely in place.

Her breath hitched, but she still refused to wake up.

Mike said nothing as he carried her to the bed—the same one she had slept on last night.

Gently, he placed her down, the warmth of his body leaving hers as he tucked the bedsheet over her.

Even after all of that, Serena remained still, her heart pounding so loud she was sure he could hear it.

Mike lingered for a second.

Then, without another word, he turned and left the room, the soft click of the door signaling his departure.

Serena finally let out the breath she had been holding.

Eyes wide open.

And an unfamiliar, overwhelming feeling tightening around her chest.