Morning did not rush them the next day.
It arrived slowly, gently—like a shy guest peeking through the curtains before stepping inside. The sunlight softened the air instead of splitting it open. It felt warm, lazy, and forgiving, as if even the universe understood that Seo Jin and Li Ran needed this softness after everything they had endured.
Seo Jin woke first.
He didn't open his eyes immediately; he could feel the warmth beside him, the slow exhale brushing his skin, the steady presence wrapped around his waist. It took a moment for his sleepy mind to remember where he was—not the Core, not a battlefield, not a nightmare.
Just home. Just Li Ran. Just peace.
When he finally blinked awake, he found Li Ran asleep with his face buried lightly into Seo Jin's shoulder, one arm looped firmly around his waist as if anchoring him to the bed—and maybe to the world.
