Nice Nature.

Living together in the apartment had always been peaceful. We each had our own room, our own schedules, and our own space, which worked well considering I was her trainer. Nice Nature was usually respectful, somewhat shy, and rarely broke that orderly routine. That's why I was surprised when, in the middle of the night, I heard hesitant footsteps approaching my door.

Soft, almost hesitant knocks broke the silence.

"Coach…?" Her voice was low and nervous . "Are you awake?"

When I opened the door, I saw her standing there, her pajamas wrinkled and a blanket in her hands. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she avoided looking directly at me.

"Sorry for coming so late..." she said quickly . "I had a nightmare and... I can't get back to sleep. I know it's weird, but... could I stay with you for a while?"

It wasn't an impulsive request. The embarrassment was evident in her posture, in how she clutched the blanket as if it were a shield. I stepped aside without hesitation.

—Okay, come in.

She sat down carefully on the bed, keeping her distance at first. Her shoulders were tense.

"I didn't mean to bother you," she murmured . "But when I'm alone, I tend to overthink things..."

"You're not bothering me," I replied, still a little sleepy . "Get some rest."

She gradually relaxed. She lay back, still stiff, until the silence was comfortable again. A few seconds passed before she spoke again.

"When I run... you always tell me to breathe and trust, right?" he asked softly.

—Yes. It works even off the track.

A small, nervous laugh escaped her. She settled herself a little closer, without touching me.

—Thank you for letting me stay— she whispered . —I feel safer this way.

"That's what I'm here for," I said . "Sleep peacefully."

Before closing his eyes, he murmured sincerely:

—Sometimes I forget that, besides being my coach… you're also someone I can trust.

And with that shared calm, the night continued in silence.