A story of us

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She woke up to warmth.

It took her a second to remember where she was, why she wasn't alone, why her head was resting against something solid and warm. The steady rise and fall beneath her cheek gave it away before she even opened her eyes.

He was still here.

She shifted slightly, blinking against the morning light filtering through her curtains. His arm was still draped around her, his breathing soft and even. For a moment, she considered slipping away, creating space before he woke up. But she didn't move.

She didn't want to move.

Instead, she let herself stay right where she was, soaking in the quiet moment. She had spent so long convincing herself that she didn't need this—that closeness, intimacy, trust—weren't things she could afford to hold onto. But this? This felt… safe.

As if sensing her thoughts, he stirred beneath her, his arm tightening briefly before his breathing shifted.

"Mmm," he murmured, voice laced with sleep. "Morning."

She tilted her head slightly, looking up at him. His eyes were barely open, still heavy with sleep, but the small, lazy smile on his lips made her stomach flip.

"Morning," she whispered.

He stretched slightly, but he didn't let go of her. If anything, he pulled her closer, resting his chin lightly on top of her head.

"You sleep okay?" he asked, his voice low and warm.

She hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I did."

She felt his smile against her hair. "Good."

A comfortable silence settled between them, the kind that didn't need to be filled with words. She wasn't used to this—the ease, the quiet affection. It was new. Unfamiliar. And yet, she didn't want to pull away.

But eventually, reality nudged its way in.

"I should probably get up," she murmured, though she made no actual effort to move.

"Mmm," he hummed, tightening his hold for just a second before loosening it. "If you must."

She rolled her eyes at his dramatic tone and sat up, stretching. He watched her with a soft smile, his gaze lingering a little longer than necessary.

"What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing." He smirked. "Just enjoying the view."

She snorted, grabbing a pillow and tossing it at him. "You're ridiculous."

He caught it easily, laughing. "And yet, you still let me stay over."

She opened her mouth for a comeback but stopped when she realized something. She had let him stay.

Not just once. Not just as a spur-of-the-moment decision.

She wanted him here.

Her silence must have tipped him off because his expression softened. He sat up, resting his arms on his knees as he looked at her. "You okay?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I just…" She exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "This is new for me."

His gaze stayed steady, patient. "You mean… us?"

She swallowed. "Yeah."

He didn't look surprised, but he didn't brush it off either. Instead, he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "Do you want me to slow down?"

The fact that he even asked made something tighten in her chest.

She shook her head. "No. I just…" She let out a small, nervous laugh. "I'm not used to this."

His expression was unreadable for a moment, and then, to her surprise, he smiled. "You think I am?"

She blinked. "You seem like it."

He let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Trust me, I'm just as in over my head as you are."

She studied him for a moment, searching for any sign of hesitation, but all she found was sincerity.

Something in her chest loosened.

"You don't have to have it all figured out," he said gently. "Neither of us do."

She let his words settle, the weight of them sinking into her bones. Maybe he was right. Maybe she didn't have to have every answer, every step mapped out.

Maybe she could just feel.

She nodded slowly. "Okay."

His smile was soft but sure. "Okay."

A moment passed, and then, as if to lighten the mood, he stretched dramatically. "Now, I believe I was promised coffee for being such an excellent sleepover guest."

She rolled her eyes but stood up anyway. "You invited yourself over."

He grinned. "Details."

She shook her head, but she couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips as she made her way to the kitchen.

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They spent the morning the way they always did—easy conversation, lingering glances, the unspoken something between them growing stronger with every passing moment.

By the time he finally got up to leave, she felt the familiar tug of reluctance in her chest.

"Are you sure you don't want to stick around?" she asked, half-joking.

He smirked, slipping on his jacket. "Trying to get me to stay again?"

She rolled her eyes. "Forget it."

He chuckled, stepping closer. "Hey." His voice was softer now, more serious. "I meant what I said earlier. You don't have to figure everything out right now."

She met his gaze, and for the first time in a long time, she let herself believe that maybe—just maybe—this didn't have to be so complicated.

"Thanks," she murmured.

His smile was gentle as he reached up, brushing his fingers lightly against her cheek.

And then, before she could second-guess herself, she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against his lips.

It was brief, but it was enough.

When she pulled away, his grin was wide, teasing. "So… does this mean I can officially say I really won you over?"

She groaned, shoving him lightly. "Get out."

He laughed, but as he stepped out the door, he looked at her one last time. "See you later?"

She nodded, warmth blooming in her chest. "Yeah. See you later."

And as she closed the door behind him, she realized something.

For the first time in a long time… she wasn't afraid.

She was all in.

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