A Life Torn Asunder

Midterm Pressure

The first rays of the sun crept through the curtains of Masha and Lucifer's apartment, casting a warm, golden hue over the room. The two had been living together for a while now, adjusting to their shared life in Japan after the emotional turmoil that had brought them closer. Lucifer, with his delicate features and long white hair, often found himself the center of attention whether he liked it or not. His baby face, soft features, and graceful demeanor often led people to mistake him for a girl, a misunderstanding that amused Masha to no end. She loved teasing him about it, and although Lucifer found it mildly embarrassing, he had grown somewhat used to her playful jabs.

It was the end of Golden Week, and the holidays were now behind them. The return to their usual routine felt bittersweet after the lazy, carefree days they'd spent together. Masha had woken early, slipping quietly out of bed so as not to disturb Lucifer. She padded softly across the apartment in her pajamas, making coffee and preparing for the day ahead. It wasn't long before her thoughts wandered to Lucifer, still asleep in their bedroom. She smiled to herself, thinking about how peaceful he looked when he slept, how his long white hair fanned out across the pillow, and how his breath was soft and steady.

Unable to resist the urge, she tiptoed back to the bedroom. The sight that greeted her made her heart swell. Lucifer was curled up under the covers, his face half-buried in the pillow, a small, almost imperceptible smile on his lips. He looked so serene, so utterly relaxed, that Masha couldn't help but find the scene incredibly endearing. Without a second thought, she climbed into bed beside him, carefully slipping under the covers so as not to wake him. She scooted closer until she was right beside him, her body gently pressing against his. Slowly, she draped her arm over him, feeling the warmth of his skin through the fabric of his shirt.

"Lucifer," she whispered, her voice soft and teasing, "you look so cute when you're asleep."

Lucifer stirred slightly but didn't wake. His exhaustion from the long week had caught up with him, and he was deep in a restful slumber. Masha smirked mischievously, watching his peaceful face for a moment longer before gently pulling his head toward her chest. She buried his face there, feeling the warmth of his breath against her skin. He didn't resist—too tired to even register what was happening—and instead snuggled unconsciously closer, letting out a soft sigh. Masha's heart fluttered. It was rare for her to see Lucifer so vulnerable, so unguarded, and it made her feel an overwhelming sense of affection for him.

"I could get used to this," Masha murmured quietly, gently stroking his hair as she held him close. Lucifer remained blissfully unaware, his breathing steady and rhythmic. She closed her eyes and simply enjoyed the moment, feeling his heartbeat slow and steady against her.

---

As the days passed, the routine of school and work resumed. Masha and Lucifer returned to their usual lives, attending classes during the day and working at the maid café in the evenings. Lucifer's delicate features made him a magnet for attention, both at school and at work. His classmates often whispered about him, curious and intrigued by his ethereal appearance. At the café, regular customers—especially women—couldn't get enough of him, despite the fact that he wasn't even dressed in the typical maid uniform. His baby face and long white hair only added to the mistaken impression that he was a girl, which led to many customers fawning over him.

"Lucifer, you should really wear a maid uniform sometime," Masha teased one evening after a particularly busy shift. "I bet you'd look adorable in it."

Lucifer flushed, a deep red creeping across his cheeks. "No way," he muttered, avoiding her gaze as he fidgeted with the buttons on his shirt. "I'm not wearing that..."

Masha grinned, clearly enjoying his embarrassment. "Come on, it would be cute! You already get all the attention without even trying. Imagine how much more popular you'd be if you embraced it."