Hoodies and handcuffs : Between duty and desire

02. Special : Becky feeling

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains as Becky moved quietly around the kitchen, preparing breakfast. She tried to keep her footsteps light, but her thoughts kept drifting down the hall, wondering if Sam was awake. She had promised she’d wake her to help in the mornings, but part of Becky didn’t want to disturb the peaceful quiet of her new roommate’s room.

After a few moments, she gave in and tiptoed to Sam's door, tapping gently. No answer. She hesitated, then slowly opened the door, apologizing softly as she peeked in. Sam was curled up in a cocoon of blankets, her face partially hidden under the covers, breathing softly, completely lost in sleep. Becky smiled at the sight—her friend’s face was relaxed, framed by tousled hair and a slight, endearing pout on her lips. Sam looked so innocent, so serene, like a little child tucked away from the world.

Feeling a mix of hesitation and affection, Becky stepped closer, quietly calling her name in a gentle, almost maternal voice. But Sam didn’t stir, lost in her dreams. Becky leaned down and brushed the edge of the blanket away from Sam’s face, and for a moment, she just stared, caught off guard by how beautiful Sam looked. Her heart gave an unexpected flutter, and she felt her cheeks warming as her gaze lingered.

Caught in the moment, she moved a little closer, gently murmuring Sam’s name again, but just as she did, Sam’s arm shifted in her sleep, reaching out and instinctively pulling Becky in, catching her off balance. Becky stumbled forward, her heart skipping as she found herself close, too close, and in a heartbeat, her lips brushed softly against Sam’s.

It was a fleeting, accidental touch, but it was enough to send a rush of warmth spreading through her. Her breath caught, her heart pounding wildly as if it might burst. She pulled back, flustered, her pulse racing as she looked down at Sam, who was still peacefully asleep, unaware of the whirlwind she had just stirred within Becky.

Becky’s mind was racing. A thousand thoughts tumbled through her: her desire to pull Sam close, to press her lips against hers just once more, to tell her everything she was feeling. She wanted Sam to know her, to understand the part of her that had been waiting, hoping, for someone just like this. As she stood there, watching Sam’s soft breathing, she knew something inside her had shifted.

With a soft, trembling breath, Becky straightened, brushing her hand against her cheek as if to calm her thoughts. She backed away quietly, letting the moment linger, her gaze still resting on Sam, feeling a mixture of longing and uncertainty, already hoping that maybe, just maybe, Sam could feel the same way one day.