The night settled like a velvet curtain, quiet and slow, giving the illusion that time itself had decided to pause for them. Shion lay on his side, the familiar warmth of Haru curled close against him. The rhythm of Haru's breathing was soft, almost delicate, but steady enough to remind Shion that he wasn't dreaming.
Haru shifted, brushing his forehead lightly against Shion's collarbone.
"You're thinking loudly again," he murmured, his voice slow with lingering drowsiness but warm with that usual playful note.
Shion let out a low breath, the hint of a smile tugging at him.
"You always say that."
"Because it's true." Haru tilted his face up just enough to press a small kiss to Shion's jaw - nothing urgent, nothing heated, just a simple, feather-light contact that made Shion's chest feel strangely tight.
"Tell me what's on your mind."
