He smiled, a little teasing, a little demanding, leaning closer until his lips brushed her temple. "I'd like to… ascertain it," he murmured, voice husky, "in bed. Just so I'm absolutely certain that you're mine and only mine."
Noelle felt her cheeks heat instantly, a mix of embarrassment and desire. "Stop. Please don't say it out loud like this."
"But then, how else would you know?" he countered, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. His hands slid to her waist, holding her firmly yet gently against him.
Ren pulled back just slightly, resting his face in the nook of her neck. "I want you, Noelle," he murmured, almost reverent now, "every part of you, all of you… starting now, if you'll let me."
Her breath caught, and for a long moment, she just looked at him the intensity, the care, the need in his eyes. Then she smiled softly, a shiver running through her. "You already had me," she whispered and leaned in, letting him prove it.
Before she could react, his hand found her waist, sliding gently along her side as he leaned in. She froze as his lips brushed hers, soft at first, teasing. When she didn't pull away, he deepened the kiss, tilting her head slightly, one hand threading through her hair while the other rested firmly on her hip, holding her close.
Something in him gave way. His lips crashed back onto hers, deeper, hungrier, tasting, taking, giving all at once. His hands framed her face, then slid down, mapping every curve of her as though memorising her by touch. When she arched into him, he held her tighter, their bodies moving instinctively in sync, a rhythm older than words.
Ren's hand slid beneath her shirt, palm resting against her back, fingers tracing along her sides, holding her close while still letting her set the pace. She arched into him instinctively, lips parting in a small moan and he grinned, leaning his forehead against hers.
Her breath hitched again. She pressed her lips to his, answering in kind, letting the heat of the moment sweep them, as his lips moved along her jawline, nipping and teasing, while his other hand cupped her breast, slowly fondling.
They paused only briefly, foreheads touching, breaths mingling. Ren's fingers traced slow, delicate patterns along her waist, down to her hips, then back up, a silent question, a request for consent and one she answered with a soft nod and a trembling laugh.
"God, you're incredibly sexy and only I get to see this expression you are making right now." he murmured against her lips, before capturing her mouth again in a kiss that was both playful and desperate, a physical reaffirmation of their bond.
Noelle stretched, letting out a small yawn as she nestled back against Ren's chest the next day. "So… do you need to get to work?" she asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.
Ren's grin faltered slightly, and he shifted, glancing at the window where sunlight spilled across the floor. "Yeah… I should," he admitted reluctantly. "I've got to make the rounds to all the outlets before school starts tomorrow."
She tilted her head, curious. "All of them? Isn't that… a lot?"
He chuckled softly, though it was tinged with fatigue. "It's… my usual routine. I try to balance work and school by cramming as much as I can over the weekends. But I've been behind this week, so I need to catch up."
Noelle frowned, a mix of concern and admiration crossing her face. "You never stop, do you?"
Ren shrugged, letting out a small sigh, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. "It's just… how I manage. But I'll survive. I always do."
She nestled closer, brushing her lips against his shoulder. "Well… I guess I can't keep you here forever. But you owe me another study session. And more… quality time."
He smirked, letting his hand rest on her waist. "You drive a hard bargain," he murmured. "But fine. I'll make time. After I finish my rounds. You know… priorities."
Noelle rolled her eyes, though her smile was warm. "You're ridiculous. But I'll hold you to that."
Ren leaned down, capturing her lips in a lingering kiss. "You always do," he whispered, letting the warmth of the moment linger just a little longer before he finally stood, running a hand through his hair. "I'll be back soon. Promise."
Noelle laughed softly, the sound muffled against his skin. "Oh, I see how it is. Work first, girlfriend second."
Ren tilted his head, his smile returning. "Hey, I didn't say that. You're a very strong motivator to finish early."
"Mm-hmm," she hummed, unconvinced, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. Her fingers traced idle patterns on his chest. "I still don't get how you do it. Classes, projects, work… and somehow you still have time to annoy me."
"That's called efficiency," he said, feigning seriousness. "Besides, I kind of like annoying you. It gets your attention."
She rolled her eyes and swatted his arm lightly but he caught her wrist, bringing her hand to his lips in a light kiss that softened the moment into quiet tenderness.
"You really should go," Noelle murmured finally, though her tone lacked conviction.
Ren's fingers brushed along her jaw, tilting her face toward his. "You'll miss me," he teased.
She smiled faintly. "Maybe."
He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers, voice low. "Then I'll make it quick. Just don't replace me with another study partner before I get back."
Noelle laughed again, softer this time. "I'll think about it."
Ren grinned, tugging her a little closer before reluctantly pulling away to reach for his shirt. The sight of him — half-dressed, sunlight catching in his hair — made something warm and uncertain stir in her chest.
As he buttoned his collar, she propped herself up on her elbows, watching him. "Ren?"
He glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah?"
"Don't overwork yourself," she said quietly. "You don't have to do everything alone."
For a moment, the teasing left his face. His gaze softened and he nodded once. "I know."
But even as he said it, they both knew he probably wouldn't stop.
Ren finished buttoning his shirt, slipping on his watch with the kind of easy grace that made everything he did seem intentional. He caught her gaze in the reflection of the window, observing her hair mussed, a blanket draped around her shoulders, sunlight pooling across her bare knees.
Something about that sight made him pause. For a second, he looked as if he might stay.