Sunday Mornings and Soft Hands

The sun filtered through half-open curtains, spilling golden light across tangled sheets and quiet breath.

Ayumi stirred first.

Kaito was still asleep beside her, one arm tucked behind his head, the other loosely around her waist. His hair was messy, lips parted slightly, and he looked so peaceful she almost didn't want to move.

Almost.

She reached out and brushed his bangs from his forehead, tracing a slow line down his jaw with the back of her finger.

He smiled, eyes still closed.

"You know," he murmured, voice gravelly with sleep, "that's a dangerous way to wake a man."

She giggled softly. "And what exactly are you going to do about it?"

He cracked one eye open, smirking. "Depends. You asking for trouble?"

"Maybe."

Kaito rolled toward her, pulling her closer with one arm, nose brushing against hers. "I like trouble when it smells like strawberries and wears my hoodie."

Ayumi flushed. "You like me in your hoodie?"

"I like you out of it too," he teased.

She gasped and slapped his chest lightly. "Pervert."

"Only for you."

Later That Morning – Kaito's Kitchen

Ayumi stood at the counter, pouring pancake batter into a sizzling pan. Her hair was up, one of his shirts hanging off her shoulder, way too big on her and perfect for a quiet morning.

Behind her, arms wrapped around her waist.

"Kaito," she said, biting back a smile, "this is not helping me cook."

"I'm helping by keeping you warm."

"You're shirtless."

"Exactly."

She laughed, leaning back against him. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you're still here."

She tilted her head back to look at him. "You want the truth?"

"Always."

"I don't feel afraid anymore. Like… the fear is still there, but it doesn't own me."

Kaito kissed her temple gently. "You're stronger than any of them ever saw. Even me."

She turned in his arms, pancake forgotten, and looked up at him.

"I want this," she said quietly. "Not just the safety. You. All of you."

His breath caught. "You already have me."

Afternoon – Rooftop Above The City

They sat side by side, legs dangling over the edge, watching the clouds roll slowly across a quiet sky.

Ayumi rested her head on his shoulder.

"Do you ever think about the future?" she asked.

Kaito glanced down at her. "Yeah. Sometimes. Used to scare me."

"Does it still?"

He smiled softly. "Not when I imagine it with you in it."

Her cheeks flushed.

"Say that again," she whispered.

He turned toward her fully, cupping her cheek with one hand.

"I see you in every part of my future, Ayumi. And I don't care how long we have to keep things quiet. I'll wait. I'll be patient. I'll be yours."

Her heart swelled.

She leaned in, lips brushing his in a kiss that was soft, sweet, and slow—a kiss that tasted like peace, like love, like home.

That Night – Her Bedroom

Ayumi lay in bed, phone in hand, cheeks still warm from their kiss goodnight.

A message lit up her screen:

Kaito:

"Sweet dreams, Ayu. I'll be thinking about you in that hoodie."

She grinned.

Ayumi:

"Maybe I'll wear it again tomorrow. But only if you behave."

Kaito:

"No promises."

She fell asleep smiling, heart full, wrapped in the warmth of something real.

Something safe.

Something hers.

To be continued…