The Quiet Contract

Chaennie Banters

Jennie's POV

I wasn't asleep anymore. Not for a while now. But I didn't want to move. My face was pressed against Lisa's neck, where her skin was warm and soft, and her faint scent lingered. I didn't know what came over me to let myself be this close to her. I wasn't exactly a clingy person—I'd never been one to snuggle up to anyone, not even when I was younger.

Yet here I was, my arms wrapped around Lisa like she was the only thing keeping me grounded. I tightened my hug just a little, careful not to wake her, but firm enough that I could feel the rise and fall of her breathing. Her warmth was soothing, the steady rhythm of her slightly audible snores oddly comforting.

What surprised me the most was how natural it felt. It wasn't awkward or strange. If anything, it felt... safe. Like I could let down my guard for once and just exist in this bubble of quiet and warmth.

I buried my face a little deeper into her neck, letting out a shaky exhale. This wasn't like me at all. Normally, I'd be the first to draw a line and keep my distance. But here, I couldn't bring myself to let go.

What was happening to me?

Lisa shifted slightly, her snoring fading into a contented hum. My heart skipped a beat as I froze, worried I'd woken her, but she just nestled closer to me, her arms instinctively tightening around my waist.

I didn't know what was more alarming—the fact that Lisa was so at ease holding me like this, or the fact that I wanted her to hold me like this.

I sighed quietly, my gaze shifting to her peaceful face. Lisa looked so different when she slept—vulnerable, calm, almost innocent. It was such a contrast to her usual confident, composed self.

I felt something twist in my chest, a mix of emotions I couldn't even begin to name. Was it guilt? Affection? Something deeper?

I closed my eyes, resting my forehead against her collarbone. Whatever this was, it scared me. Because I wasn't sure I could keep pretending it didn't exist.

Lisa stirred slightly, shifting her position in her sleep. I felt her snuggle closer, her head tilting until her nose brushed against my hair. It was such a small, unconscious movement, yet it sent a jolt through me, my chest tightening like I'd just forgotten how to breathe.

I wasn't sure how much more of this I could take.

And then, as if the universe decided to test me further, Lisa's hand, which had been resting idly at my back, slipped lower, settling on my stomach. At first, it was still, and I thought nothing of it. But then her fingers started moving—gentle, slow circles, like she was soothing me in her sleep.

I froze, every nerve in my body lighting up as my heart slammed against my ribs.

What was she doing?

More importantly... why wasn't I stopping her?

Her touch wasn't invasive or deliberate—it was soft, almost comforting, like a natural instinct. But that didn't stop the heat from rising to my cheeks or the fluttering sensation blooming in my chest.

I clenched my jaw, my hands instinctively gripping the fabric of Lisa's shirt as if to anchor myself. My breathing was uneven now, and I was sure she'd feel it.

I tried to tell myself it was nothing. Just a simple, unconscious gesture. Lisa was asleep, for crying out loud—she wasn't even aware of what she was doing.

But my reaction was anything but simple.

I bit my lip, staring at her peaceful face, trying to convince myself to pull away. To create some distance. Yet, instead of doing that, I found myself leaning into her touch, my body betraying every logical thought in my head.