𝐄𝐙𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

23

As she finally surrendered to sleep, I held her there, watching her breathing slow, her features softening in the dim light of the room. She looked so peaceful, so vulnerable in this moment—like she was finally free of the walls she always put up around herself.

I brushed a thumb over her cheek, marveling at how delicate she seemed, her guard fully down. I could still feel the ghost of our kiss on my lips, the taste of her lingering in a way that would haunt me long after tonight. There was something painfully familiar about being close to her, something that drew me in every time, even if I knew she'd be furious at herself—and at me—when she woke up.

Gently, I eased her onto the bed, careful not to wake her. I pulled the blanket over her, letting my hand linger for a moment on her shoulder. The weight of responsibility settled in my chest. She didn’t know everything—about me, about the things that connected us more deeply than either of us could see right now. And maybe it was better this way.

But I couldn’t walk away. Not yet.

I stayed by her side a little longer, watching her sleep, unable to tear myself from the quiet, fragile beauty of this moment.

Settling into the single sofa across from her, I watched her sleep, her face softened, completely at ease. The memory of our kiss played in my mind, a warmth that settled over me, easing away every bit of tension. I hadn’t even realized it when my own eyes drifted shut, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

When I woke, dawn was breaking, casting a soft glow through the curtains. I checked the time on my phone and rose carefully, not wanting to disturb her. The last thing she’d want was to wake up and see me here, especially after last night. I couldn’t blame her; she’d probably regret it all. But I wouldn’t. Not a second of it.

With one last look at her sleeping form, I slipped quietly to the door, leaving her in peace.

🤍

After catching a few hours of sleep, I woke up feeling refreshed and immediately thought of her. I ordered some strong coffee for myself and a steaming bowl of hangover soup for Akira, knowing she’d need it. Past seven in the morning, I wheeled the food cart to her door, knocking a few times until I finally heard movement inside.

The door creaked open, and there she stood, hair tousled, makeup smudged from the night before, but undeniably, she was still Akira—the woman who had captivated me beyond reason. Even in the haze of a hangover, she looked striking, her eyes sharp, as if ready to take on the world.

“Good morning,” I said, holding back a grin. “I brought you some coffee... and something to help with the hangover.”

She blinked at me, clearly surprised, before her gaze settled on the soup, a hint of gratitude flickering across her face. “You didn't have to,” she muttered, trying to mask her reaction, but I caught the subtle softening in her expression.

“I wanted to,” I replied simply, wheeling the cart into her room and setting everything up. "Trust me, this will help."

She watched me for a moment, seeming caught off guard. “Thanks... I guess,” she finally said, grabbing the cup of coffee. And even though she was trying to keep her walls up, I could tell this gesture meant something to her—maybe more than she’d ever admit.

And for the first time, she let me in by herself. Last night, I’d had to take her hotel keycard just to get her inside, sparing her from an embarrassing scene in the lobby as the staff offered help. I wanted to be the one there for her, to be the one to make sure she was safe, even if she’d never admit needing anyone. Those small moments with her were mine, pieces of her she unknowingly gave, and I wasn’t about to let anyone else take them away.

After a quiet thank you, she excused herself to the bathroom, and moments later, I heard a low groan from her direction. I could only imagine the look on her face as she took in the smudged makeup and tangle of her hair from last night.

My own mind drifted back to those moments, the careful way I’d handled her dress, pulling it off slowly, resisting every urge I had to give in to the raw chemistry between us. She’d been so vulnerable then, entirely trusting even in her drunken haze. It was as if some silent part of her knew I’d protect her, that I’d never take advantage of her like that. I’d found a large T-shirt in her luggage and gently slipped it over her, doing everything I could to keep my own thoughts in check as my hands brushed against her skin.

Now, the sound of the shower started, a rush of water that stirred a fresh wave of thoughts I knew better than to entertain. The image of her beneath that stream, the way she’d look with droplets glistening against her skin—it was too easy to imagine, and too dangerous to linger on. I exhaled deeply, willing myself to stay grounded, though every fiber of my being wanted nothing more than to be close to her, to break down the walls she’d so carefully built around her heart.

I sat there, listening to every movement, every sound from the bathroom. The steady stream of the showerwater,it felt oddly intimate, like I was right there with her, sharing in her quiet moment. But then, a strange noise broke the calm. It wasn’t loud, just a soft, unsettling sound that made me freeze.

My heart skipped a beat. I stood up, the sudden surge of urgency making my legs move before I even thought about it. My mind raced. Was she okay? Had something happened?

I walked toward the bathroom door, pausing just before I reached it. Another sound came from inside—a faint, muffled groan followed by a soft thud. My breath caught in my chest. Was she hurt?

Without thinking, I knocked gently, calling out her name, my voice laced with concern. “Akira?”

There was a slight pause, and then her voice came, faint but steady. “I’m fine. Just a little... dizzy, I guess.”

The relief that washed over me was immediate, but I still couldn’t ignore the gnawing worry in my chest. She sounded a little off, not herself. I couldn’t just stand outside waiting anymore. I needed to make sure she was okay.

I reached for the door handle, ready to push it open. But I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should give her more space. The temptation to see her, to make sure she was alright, was almost overwhelming. But I didn’t want to cross a line.

But after a while, the sound of running water stopped. A thick silence followed, and then came another noise.

A sound I recognized all too well.