...
Soft sunlight seeps through the curtains, brushing over tangled sheets. A faint chill lingers in the air, but under the blanket, everything feels warm, like the quiet between dreams.
Eiji’s the first to stir. He blinks slowly, his eyes adjusting to the soft light. Beside him, Ryota’s still asleep. One arm flung over Eiji’s waist, hair sticking out in every direction.
Eiji watches him for a moment, lips curling into a quiet smile.
“You sleep like a cat that’s had too much to eat,” he whispers.
Ryota grumbles, eyes still closed.
“Stop staring at me, it’s creepy.”
Eiji chuckles, leaning closer until his lips almost brush Ryota’s ear.
“Good morning, baby.”
Ryota’s eyes snap open instantly.
“What— baby?!”
he croaks, sitting up halfway. His face is a mess of confusion and half-awake indignation.
“Don’t start that nonsense first thing in the morning!”
Eiji props his head on one hand, watching him with pure amusement.
“Why not? You are my baby.”
Ryota stares at him, blinking a few times before groaning and collapsing back on the bed.
“You’ve officially lost it. Goosebumps.
I’m getting actual goosebumps!”
He pulls the blanket over his head dramatically.
Eiji laughs, a low, rich sound that fills the room.
“Come on, baby, don’t hide.
You’ll suffocate in there.”
“Stop calling me that!”
comes Ryota’s muffled protest from under the blanket.
Eiji tugs the blanket just enough to peek at him. Ryota’s hair is a disaster, his cheeks flushed pink.
“Then what should I call you, hmm?”
Ryota peeks back, eyes narrow but soft. “Call me Ryota. Just Ryota.”
Eiji smiles, leaning in to kiss his forehead.
“Alright. Morning, Ryota.”
The simplicity of his tone melts Ryota’s defenses. He sighs, closing his eyes, lips twitching.
“...Morning, idiot.”
Eiji chuckles again, wrapping his arm around him.
“You know, I might still call you baby when you’re asleep.”
Ryota snorts into his chest.
“Do it, and you’ll wake up alone next time.”
But Eiji just hums, resting his chin on Ryota’s hair. “Worth the risk.”
