Forbidden Cravings

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.

"Aeri..." I said softly, a smile tugging at my lips as I watched her sleep.

She looked so calm, so unguarded, her usual teasing spark replaced by a quiet vulnerability that made my chest tighten. "She must’ve been exhausted," I thought, my hand moving to brush a few strands of hair from her face, tucking them gently behind her ear.

Her skin was warm under my fingers, and I couldn’t help but linger, tracing the curve of her cheek. "I should let her sleep a bit longer."

Carefully, I shifted, sitting up as slowly as I could to avoid waking her. Aeri stirred faintly, her brows furrowing, but I slid a pillow into her arms, letting her hug it instead of me. I pulled the bedsheet up, tucking it around her shoulders to keep her warm, and paused to look at her again. She looked so cute, her lips slightly parted, her face soft in the morning light.

My heart did a little flip, and I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, my lips lingering for a moment. "Sleep well," I whispered, barely audible, before slipping out of bed.