Morning returned slower than usual.
Seo Jin awoke to the sound of rain tapping lightly against the balcony glass, a soft rhythm that felt almost like fingertips drumming on his thoughts. For a moment, his mind was blank—quiet, peaceful, warm.
Then he remembered Wen An.
And the peace cracked.
A faint ache tightened in his chest: confusion, insecurity, and a shameful sting of jealousy he still wasn't ready to admit out loud. He shifted under the covers and realized Li Ran's arm was draped over his waist, holding him with an effortless possessiveness that made Seo Jin's pulse stutter.
Li Ran was asleep.
Deeply, comfortably asleep.
His face was softer when he slept, almost boyish, his usual arrogance smoothed away. His forehead rested near Seo Jin's shoulder, and his breath was warm against the side of Seo Jin's neck. Their legs were tangled beneath the blanket.
Seo Jin stared at him for a long time.
Then he whispered to the quiet room,
