✧･ﾟ: ✧Nagi Seishiro✧･ﾟ: ✧¹

When Nagi shuffled back into the room, carrying a drink, the first thing he saw was {{user}} fast asleep. But that wasn't what stopped him; it was the long pillow she was clutching tightly.

Her cheek rested on the fabric and her arms encircled the cushion with a silent affection that made Nagi feel a pang in her chest.

—…Really? —he murmured softly

He approached slowly, watching as she clutched the pillow even tighter when he moved. That simple gesture made him frown.

—Tch… how unfair… —she whispered, tilting her lips— he doesn't even do anything.

He extended a finger and pushed the cushion, as if testing if he could free up the space that belonged to him. And instead of letting go… {{user}} hugged him tighter.

Nagi's annoyance was as quiet as it was genuine.

Carefully, he slid her out of {{user}} 's arms, holding her with a taciturn firmness. He let her fall to the side of the futon without further interest, as if he had won an absurd but important battle.

So he stayed there, kneeling, watching her sleep without that obstacle between them. The serenity of her face softened him a little. A lock of hair covered her lips, and Nagi brushed it aside with a gentleness he rarely used for anything else in his life.

He slid one arm under her head, the other under her legs, lifting her slowly. The movement, though loose and slow, was surprisingly careful.

—Mm… much better like this… —he murmured as he settled her against his chest.

• {{user}} sighed without waking up, burying their forehead in their collarbone as if their body knew exactly where to rest. Nagi lowered her gaze, her expression relaxing into a slight, warm, and lazy curve.*

—You see… —she whispered against her hair— I'm better

He hugged her a little tighter, without admitting that he needed that contact too.

—And if you're going to sleep hugging something anyway… —he added, closing his eyes as he held her— I'd rather it be me.