The whole world stopped

Chapter 8

— Offroad —

I woke up slowly, the warmth of the early morning sun filtering through the curtains, soft against my skin. For a moment, I wasn't sure where I was, but then I felt him next to me, his body warm, steady breathing, his arm draped over my waist. Everything from last night came rushing back in the best way, and I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.

I turned my head just slightly and saw Daou, still asleep, his hair a mess, face relaxed in a way that made him look even more peaceful. I didn't want to wake him, but I also couldn't stop myself from reaching out, caressing his cheek. My fingers lingered, tracing the line of his jaw, marveling at how right it felt to have him here, like this.

He stirred a little at my touch, letting out a soft, sleepy sound before his eyes fluttered open. When he saw me, he smiled, that lazy, morning smile that felt like it was just for me. "Morning sweetheart," he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep, and he pulled me in a little closer, his hand resting on my side.

"Morning," I whispered back, feeling ridiculously content, my whole body warm and relaxed.

"How long have you been awake?" he asked, his voice soft, his thumb gently brushing against my skin.

"Not long. Just enjoying this." I smiled at him, as he leaned in, placing a soft kiss on my temple, his lips lingering there like he didn't want to move just yet.

We lay there for a while, tangled together under the sheets, not really talking, just enjoying the quiet. The weight of his arm over me felt like the most natural thing in the world, and I couldn't remember the last time I felt this... content. Safe.

After a bit, he shifted, looking at me with that familiar grin. "So... how was it? Our first date," he teased, his voice playful but laced with sincerity.

I chuckled, pressing my forehead against his. "I'd say it was pretty perfect."

He laughed softly, and the sound made my chest feel light. "Good. I'd hate to think I wasn't living up to expectations," he said, pretending to sound serious, but the sparkle in his eyes gave him away.

"You're doing just fine," I murmured, giving him a soft kiss on the lips. It was lazy and sweet, just like the morning.

We stayed like that for a while longer, talking about nothing and everything. Every little joke, every gentle touch, just made me feel closer to him, like this was exactly where we were meant to be.

And as the sun climbed higher, I realized something : I couldn't wait to wake up like this again. Every day, if I could.

—

After a lazy morning with Daou, we had to part ways for the afternoon, he had rehearsal for an upcoming show, and I had a photoshoot to get to. When I arrived at the studio with Nun, Diamond and Boss, a very good friend of ours, were already in the makeup chairs, chatting away.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Boss exclaimed when he spotted me, "You're 20 minutes late, that's a first for you".

"Hey guys ! Yeah sorry, I had a lazy morning and forgot to keep track of the time" I admitted.

" A lazy morning huh... Were you basking in a post date glow?" Diamond teased from his makeup chair.

"Well, someone was definitely with him this morning because I saw that someone leaving his building when I came to pick Offroad up today, and at the beginning of the week, and the week before..." Nun teased, making Diamond laugh and Boss gasp.

"Aren't I supposed to have client/manager confidentiality ? Like you not spilling the beans ?" I said with a fake look of annoyance while sitting down on my chair to start the glam session.