The warmth of Matteo beside him was a slow pull from sleep, a softness that coaxed Felix's eyes open.
For a moment, the world felt suspended—no responsibilities, no complicated history, just the gentle glow of morning light filtering through the curtains.
Matteo's face, relaxed in sleep, held a peace Felix rarely saw during waking hours.
The faint crease between his brows had smoothed, and his long lashes cast delicate shadows on his cheeks.
It was enough to make Felix pause, breath catching in his throat.
Impulsively, almost without thinking, his hand reached out.
His fingers traced the curve of Matteo's jaw, feeling the warmth of skin, the slight roughness of morning stubble.
Then, before doubt could stop him, his lips met Matteo's in a soft, deliberate kiss. Slow. Gentle.
Nothing hurried, nothing demanding—just the quiet confession of a feeling he wasn't ready to name.
Matteo stirred, blinking awake slowly, eyes adjusting to the light before meeting Felix's.
