The faint *chirp, chirp* of birds filtered through the window, pulling me gently from sleep. My eyes fluttered open, heavy and slow, as the soft warmth on my chest registered, cozy and familiar.
I groaned quietly, my voice rough with morning grogginess. "Ahm…" I blinked at the curtains, where bright sunlight streamed through, casting golden streaks across the bedroom floor. The room was quiet, save for the birds outside and the steady rhythm of breathing against me.
"Is it morning already?" I whispered, my voice barely audible as I glanced around, the memories of last night flooding back. Aeri and I had fallen asleep together, tangled in each other's arms after a night that still made my heart race.
I looked down at my chest, and there she was—Aeri, curled up against me, her face peaceful, her dark hair spilling over my skin. Her arms were wrapped loosely around me, her cheek pressed to my chest, rising and falling with every slow breath.
