Morning arrived slowly, brushing the apartment with gentle light that felt almost reverent. Seo Jin woke to the soft sound of Li Ran humming beside him, a tune so faint it could have been mistaken for the wind brushing the window. The warmth of Li Ran's arm across his side was comforting, grounding him in the moment, a reminder that they were here, now, together.
Seo Jin blinked open his eyes, letting the light filter over him, warming his skin. For the first time in months, he didn't feel the tight coil of fear or the hum of energy inside his chest. He felt… human. Whole. And beside him, Li Ran was just… Li Ran—without the chaos, without the Core, without the weight of the city pressing down on them.
He shifted slightly, careful not to disturb Li Ran, but the movement was enough to draw a soft murmur from him.
"Mmm… you're awake," Li Ran murmured, eyes still closed. His voice carried the remnants of sleep, slow and melodic.
