nyctophilia
[ nĭk′tə-fĭl′ē-ə ]
n.
a preference for the night or darkness
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"Oh we're definitely killing them then, I need to pad my stats anyway."
"You sound like a serial killer."
"I know, I still wonder why...
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San's POV
The next morning, I woke up feeling surprisingly clear-headed. That had probably been the best sleep I'd had in weeks. No tossing, no turning—just uninterrupted rest.
As I stirred, preparing to sit up, I froze. Something was wrapped snugly around my torso. Blinking in confusion, I glanced down and found a pair of arms draped over me.
Yuri.
A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I craned my neck, trying to get a glimpse of her face. She was still asleep, her expression peaceful and relaxed. Over the many missions we’d shared, I had noticed this little habit of hers--when she was sleepy, she became unknowingly clingy. She’d grab onto anything--or in this case, anyone--within arm's reach.
It was...cute.
Wait.
I frowned slightly, catching myself. Did I just think that was cute? I shook my head, confused. I used to find this habit of hers annoying.
Still, my gaze lingered on her sleeping face a little too long. The soft rise and fall of her breathing, the way her lips parted slightly in slumber—it was...endearing.
I cleared my throat, breaking the moment and shifting my attention back to the arms around my waist. Gently, I began peeling them off, careful not to wake her. Her grip was loose but warm, her fingers twitching slightly as I pulled free.
Once I managed to sit up, I stretched my arms above my head. But just as I moved to stand, I noticed something else. Her legs. They were tangled with mine, like vines wrapping around a trellis.
A quiet laugh escaped me, and I instinctively brought a hand to my mouth to stifle it. Her ability to practically cocoon herself around someone was impressive.
Carefully, I began untangling her legs, but just as I freed myself, I felt her fingers brush against mine. She had reached out, her hand now holding onto mine delicately.
I looked down at her, a warm smile tugging at my lips, “Yuri, I have to go back to my room now.” I murmured softly, trying not to wake her fully.
“Why?” she whined, her voice muffled as she snuggled closer.
My chest tightened at her small, sleepy voice. There was something so vulnerable about it, "Because I have to train Saeyoon,” I explained gently, “Eden told me to teach her some basic taekwondo so she can defend herself in case of an emergency."
