Affection's Facade

Puzzle mazes

Author's pov

Incense burned on a little plate near the dresser, the curling smoke casting ethereal patterns in the dimly lit room. Gradually, the scent of sandalwood wafted through the air, grounding and soothing. Outside the window, night had descended, and everyone had already gone to rest.

Nestled in the center of the room was the bed, covered with soft white sheets. Their pristine hue contrasted sharply against Elera's deep brown skin, lending an almost ethereal quality to the scene. She lay on her side, and Tae-hyung, moving closer, enveloped her within his arms, their forms aligning in harmonious synchrony. The sheets bore the gentle imprints of their bodies, bearing silent witness to their shared moments.

He tenderly pressed a kiss on her forehead. Elera sighed, allowing herself to be fully present in the moment, treasuring the intimacy.

Soon she began to speak, her voice soft, "You know the girls, they... they made me cry today."

Tae-hyung's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Did something happen?"

Elera shook her head, her voice filled with warmth. "They're just so precious. We're so incredibly lucky."

His chuckle resonated softly, the sound akin to a comforting melody. "Yes, we truly are."

Content, Elera nestled closer, her head finding its favorite spot on his bare chest.

"By the way, I have to meet So-yeon at the station tomorrow."

Tae-hyung's eyes met hers, understanding flickering in them. He nodded slowly, "Are you comfortable with going or do you want me to come with you."

" I'll be okay." She smiled.

" Just be safe, alright? And if you need me, just call. I'll be at the office with Mr. Chang and the Lees."

"I know," she replied softly. As she shifted slightly, she felt and heard the distinct sound of her Afro brushing against his chest.

She could feel Tae-hyung's fingers tracing gentle patterns on her back, his touch offering the comfort and reassurance she often sought. "Everything will be okay," he whispered, as if reading her thoughts.

Elera simply smiled, leaning into his touch.

The rhythm of their breathing gradually slowed, synchronizing in the serene stillness of the room. The soft flicker of the incense's ember mirrored the dwindling energy in their bodies. As minutes ticked by, the boundary between wakefulness and sleep blurred, drawing them into its gentle embrace. Tae-hyung's arm tightened just slightly around Elera, pulling her even closer, and with that final gesture of love and protection, they slipped into the peaceful realm of dreams.

As dawn broke, Elera stirred first, her senses immediately waking up, she gently found herself extricating herself from Tae-hyung's embrace, she got up and began her morning routine.

Elera felt the water's residing warmth as an embrace while she stepped out of the shower. Toweling off and getting situated, she picked out her attire for the day. Opting for something simple yet sophisticated, she selected hues that infused her with a sense of grace. As she buttoned her blouse and adjusted her belt, she could hear faint sounds emanating from the kitchen. The aromatic notes of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as she neared the entrance.

Min-ji looked up from her drawing board, her eyes taking a moment to appreciate Elera's appearance. "Off somewhere looking this chic?" she teased with a playful tilt of her head.

"To see So-yeon," Elera replied, her tone light, revealing only a hint of the nerves she felt inside.

Min-ji's lips quirked upwards. "Want some backup? I could tag along. You know, in case she needs a good reality check?" she said, flexing her arm in mock threat.