Morning arrives softly, like a careful visitor who doesn’t want to disturb what it finds.
9:00 AM.
Light slips through the tall glass windows in thin ribbons of pale gold, stretching quietly across the room, brushing over the bed, the sheets, the still forms resting there.
The air feels calm… untouched… as if the world outside has agreed to pause just for a little longer.
On the bed—
Nothing has changed.
The same blanket.
The same closeness.
Lily lies beside him, still tucked under his blanket, her hand loosely wrapped around his arm, her head resting near his shoulder.
Jin remains asleep, his posture steady even in rest, his breathing slow, controlled… as if even sleep cannot fully disarm him.
For a while, there is only silence.
Then—
A small stir.
Lily’s lashes flutter.
Her eyes open slowly, heavy with sleep, adjusting to the soft light that fills the room.
She blinks once… twice… her mind still drifting somewhere between dreams and reality.
And then she feels it.
Warmth.
Closeness.
Her gaze lowers.
She sees it—
His arm, still in her hold.
The blanket, shared.
The space between them… gone.
A quiet pause settles inside her.
Then, slowly…
A smile forms.
Soft.
Unforced.
Real.
She doesn’t move away.
Instead, her fingers shift slightly, almost absentmindedly, as if drawn by something she doesn’t question.
Her hand lifts gently… rising from his arm… hesitating just a fraction in the air before settling into his hair.
Messy.
Soft.
Warmer than she expected.
Her fingers move carefully through it, slow and light, like she’s afraid to wake him… or maybe afraid to break the moment.
Her gaze drifts to his face.
Calm.
Composed.
Even in sleep, there’s a quiet guard around him… like something inside him never fully rests.
Her expression softens further.
Her voice slips out, barely above a whisper, like a secret she didn’t plan to say—
“My fiancé… you look so handsome in the morning…”
The words linger in the quiet.
And with them—
Something shifts inside her.
She leans closer, almost unconsciously, her head brushing lightly against his shoulder again, her cheek resting there as if it belongs.
Her breathing slows… but her heart doesn’t.
It beats faster.
Warmer.
Louder than it should.
Her body stills.
Something… feels different.
She pulls back slightly.
Just enough.
Her hand leaves his hair and moves to her chest, fingers pressing lightly against the fabric as if she’s trying to understand what’s happening beneath it.
Her heartbeat.
Too fast.
Too strong.
Her thoughts stumble for a second before settling into something clear.
“…I’m falling for him…”
The realization lands softly.
But deeply.
No panic.
No denial.
Just… truth.
Her eyes lower slightly, her lips parting in quiet surprise at her own thoughts.
“…fast…”
A faint blush spreads across her cheeks, deeper this time, warmer.
She exhales.
And accepts it.
The moment stretches.
Then suddenly—
Embarrassment rushes in like a wave catching up.
Her cheeks burn.
Her eyes widen slightly.
And before she can think too much—
She quickly buries her face back into his shoulder, hiding, her fingers curling slightly against him.
Then—
A small, soft punch lands on his shoulder.
Barely any force.
Just enough to release her fluster.
“B-baka…” she whispers, voice muffled against him, trembling just a little, “making me feel all this…”
Her body stays close.
Hiding.
Trying to recover from herself.
And then—
Movement.
Jin stirs.
A small shift.
A quiet breath.
His body adjusts slightly as sleep begins to loosen its hold.
A faint yawn escapes him, subtle, unguarded… before his eyes slowly open.
His gaze is unfocused at first.
Lazy.
Still waking.
Then—
He notices.
Weight against him.
Movement.
Soft… small impacts against his shoulder.
His brows knit slightly.
Confusion.
He turns his head just enough.
“…uh… you okay?”
His voice is low, still wrapped in sleep.
Lily freezes.
Then slowly—
She peeks up.
And for a second—
Everything stills.
Her face comes into view.
Silver eyes.
Soft blush still spread across her cheeks.
Hair slightly messy from sleep, strands falling gently around her face.
Her expression—
Unfiltered.
Gentle.
Warm.
Jin sees it.
Fully.
Clearly.
Time slows.
Just a fraction.
His breath pauses.
His eyes widen slightly.
Something hits.
Not logic.
Not analysis.
Something else.
His lips part before he can stop them.
“…so cute…”
The words slip out.
Unfiltered.
Unplanned.
And the moment they exist—
Everything freezes.
Lily’s eyes widen instantly.
Her mind blanks.
Jin’s own expression shifts a second later—
Realization.
His body stiffens slightly.
That… wasn’t supposed to happen.
A faint color rises to his cheeks.
Not strong.
But there.
He reacts immediately.
Sits up quickly.
Too quickly. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
Clears his throat.
“Ahem—”
His gaze avoids hers completely now, shifting anywhere but her face.
“I’ll go… washroom…”
His tone tries to recover composure.
Fails slightly.
He moves off the bed, standing faster than necessary, adjusting his shirt unconsciously as if that will fix the moment.
Then—
He walks.
A bit too fast.
The door opens.
Closes.
Gone.
Silence returns.
For exactly one second.
Then—
Lily explodes.
Her eyes go wide, hands flying to her face as her cheeks burn completely red now.
“J-Jinnnn!!”
She lets out a small squeak, her voice breaking under the rush of emotion before she collapses forward into the pillow, burying her face completely.
Her legs kick slightly against the bed, restless, overwhelmed, her whole body reacting at once.
Her heart races wildly now.
Her thoughts spinning.
His words replaying.
“…so cute…”
She presses her face deeper into the pillow.
Trying to hide.
From no one.
From herself.
And the morning light continues to pour in quietly… as something inside her blooms.
And something inside him— has just begun to wake.
Jin steps out of the bathroom, the faint sound of running water fading behind him like a curtain closing on whatever softness had lingered there moments ago.
And just like that— he’s back.
Composed.
Measured.
The earlier flickers of awkwardness… sealed away.
His presence resets into that familiar “cold calm,” the version of him the world understands.
He walks toward the bedside mirror, each step unhurried, controlled.
The morning light catches against the dark tones of his clothing as he adjusts himself with quiet precision—
Black coat, fitted cleanly over his frame.
Black shirt beneath, smooth and sharp.
Dark grey pants, perfectly aligned.
His fingers move with practiced ease, straightening the collar, brushing away invisible creases.
No wasted motion.
No hesitation.
The room feels still again.
Not empty— but quietly tense, like something soft had passed through it and left a trace.
From the bed, Lily watches.
She had been sitting there, still recovering from her own storm of emotions, but now her gaze settles on him.
Her expression softens again as she pushes herself up, standing slowly.
A small yawn escapes her, light and unguarded, her eyes still a little sleepy as they remain fixed on him.
From where she stands— he looks taller than ever.
She barely reaches his shoulder, the contrast subtle but noticeable… grounding, somehow.
Her gaze drifts upward… then stops.
His tie.
Slightly off.
Not undone— but not perfect.
Her eyes sharpen just a little, not in scrutiny… but in quiet intent.
Without thinking too much— she walks toward him.
Soft steps against the floor.
She stops right in front of him.
Close.
Jin notices her approach through the mirror, his reflection catching the small figure now standing within his space.
He doesn’t move.
Doesn’t question.
Just watches.
Then— her voice.
Soft.
Gentle.
“Stay still.”
It’s not a command.
Not really.
But he listens.
Without resistance, his movements halt.
His hands lower slightly, allowing her space as a brief stillness settles between them.
The air feels different here.
Closer.
Quieter.
Lily lifts her hands.
Carefully.
Her fingers move toward his tie, adjusting it with delicate precision.
She straightens the knot, aligns it properly, smoothing the fabric down as if every detail matters.
Her focus is complete.
Undistracted.
Close enough now that a few strands of her silver hair brush faintly against his chest as she works.
Jin exhales lightly.
Not annoyed.
Just… aware.
His body, rigid at first, relaxes slightly under her quiet care.
“I can do that…” he murmurs, his voice low, almost out of habit.
Lily doesn’t stop.
Her fingers continue adjusting the final edge, her tone just as soft, just as steady.
“I know…”
A small pause.
“…but I wanted to do it.”
That lands differently.
Jin’s gaze shifts away from the mirror for a moment, his expression remaining neutral… but the sharpness softens at the edges, just enough to notice.
He doesn’t argue further.
Doesn’t pull away.
He simply lets her finish.
And she does.
Carefully.
Perfectly.
Once done, her hands lower slowly.
She takes a small step back, giving him space again before looking at him properly.
From head to toe.
Checking.
Confirming.
Then— a small nod.
Satisfied.
No words needed.
Something quiet passes between them.
Unspoken.
Understood.
Jin adjusts his sleeve once, more out of habit than necessity, before speaking—
“…thanks. I guess.”
It’s not polished.
But it’s real.
He turns toward the door, his tone returning to its usual calm.
“Come. Breakfast.”
Lily nods immediately, a soft smile lingering on her lips as she follows him.
Side by side— they walk out of the room together.
And the morning begins.
As later, after the walk through corridor
The door opens into the wide living space, and the atmosphere shifts instantly.
Warmth greets them.
The kind that doesn’t come from temperature alone—but from life already in motion.
The living room stretches open with its tall glass walls, sunlight pouring in freely, soft gold reflecting off polished floors and the long dining table set slightly to one side.
The air carries a faint scent of butter and something sweet… pancakes.
In the kitchen area, Haruka is already there.
Moving with calm rhythm.
A soft morning hum under her breath.
Her posture relaxed, yet precise—one hand flipping something gently in the pan, the other reaching for ingredients with practiced ease.
Her hair is loosely tied, a few strands falling around her face, catching the light as she works.
Lily’s expression brightens the moment she sees her.
Without hesitation, she steps forward, her pace light, almost eager.
“Can I help?”
Haruka turns slightly, glancing over her shoulder.
Her eyes soften immediately, a warm smile forming like she had been expecting this.
“Yes, you can.”
Simple.
Welcoming.
Lily moves closer, slipping into the space beside her naturally, like she belongs there now.
And then— she begins.
Her hands move carefully at first, then more fluidly as she settles into the rhythm of the kitchen.
She rinses plates under running water, the soft sound blending into the quiet morning.
Water glides over ceramic, her fingers gentle but efficient as she stacks them neatly to dry.
Utensils follow—light clinks, soft movements, no rush.
She wipes down the counter next, smoothing the surface with steady strokes, aligning everything instinctively.
Cups are rearranged, bowls placed neatly in rows, small adjustments that bring quiet order to the space.
Haruka watches from the corner of her eye.
Says nothing.
But her smile lingers.
Soon, Lily moves closer to the preparation area.
She places the flour bowl where Haruka gestures, hands her the spatula just as it’s needed, sets out plates for serving.
Their movements begin to sync—silent coordination, no instructions required.
A quiet harmony.
The kind that forms without effort.
Behind them—
Jin stands near the floor-to-ceiling window.
Still.
Arms folded across his chest, posture straight, unmoving against the wide backdrop of the sky stretching beyond the glass.
His gaze is fixed outward.
But not really seeing the city.
His mind moves elsewhere.
“Hmm… address… where to get Guard 100’s address…”
His thoughts run in sharp, clean lines.
“No use though… no evidence…”
His jaw tightens slightly.
“Even Guard 137 as witness… still not enough…”
A faint exhale leaves him.
“Need more concrete proof…”
His eyes narrow just a fraction.
“Maybe ask Natsumi…”
A pause.
“No… that will complicate things.”
Another quiet sigh.
Contained.
Everything about him remains controlled.
Even his tension.
Back in the kitchen—
Lily continues washing, her sleeves slightly rolled, her fingers moving through the water as sunlight reflects faintly against the surface.
A few strands of her silver hair fall forward, and she tucks them back absentmindedly.
Haruka speaks then.
Softly.
“You were very strong yesterday… don’t worry.”
Lily pauses for just a second.
Her hands still under the running water.
She blinks.
Then nods gently.
“…okay.”
Haruka’s smile deepens slightly as she flips a pancake with smooth precision.
“And call me mama, okay?”
That makes Lily freeze for a heartbeat.
A soft blush rises instantly to her cheeks.
She looks down briefly, fingers tightening slightly around the plate she’s holding.
“…okay… mama.”
The word comes out shy.
But sincere.
Haruka doesn’t respond immediately.
She simply continues cooking… but something in her expression shifts.
Warmer.
Softer.
Then she steps closer.
Just enough.
Her voice lowers slightly, carrying something more knowing now.
“You were destined to be with him.”
Lily’s hands stop again.
Still.
“…you love him now, right?”
The words land gently.
But directly.
Lily’s entire body reacts.
Her shoulders tense slightly, her gaze dropping instantly, cheeks flushing deeper as she looks away.
She doesn’t answer.
Can’t.
Haruka watches her for a moment… then lets out a soft, amused breath, shaking her head slightly.
“A mother knows.”
She turns back to the pan.
“You don’t need to say it if you’re shy.”
The pancake flips again.
Perfect.
Lily slowly resumes washing, her movements quieter now… but a small smile appears on her lips.
Uncontrollable.
Soft.
Hidden.
Out in the living area—
Jin moves.
He leaves the window, steps measured as he walks toward the table.
He pulls out a chair and sits down, posture straight, composed as always.
Waiting.
Silently.
His gaze drifts once more toward the window.
Distant.
Unreadable.
From the kitchen, Haruka’s voice floats again—this time lighter, teasing.
“Any kisses yet?”
Lily nearly drops the plate.
Her entire face turns red instantly.
She glances quickly toward Jin—then back down.
“…j-just… a cheek kiss…”
Her voice is barely audible.
Haruka lets out a small, knowing hum, a smirk forming as she nods once.
“Mm. Good.”
No more teasing.
But the approval is clear.
Jin remains seated.
Still.
Looking outward.
And then— something shifts.
Just for a moment.
Out in the sky, beyond the glass— a flicker.
Faint.
Almost like a distortion in the air itself.
A shape.
White.
Barely there.
Gone in an instant.
Jin’s eyes sharpen.
He blinks once.
Then again.
His hand lifts briefly, rubbing lightly against his eye as if clearing something.
“…nothing…”
His voice is quiet.
Controlled.
His expression returns to normal.
But something— lingers.
Unseen.
Unspoken.
Behind him, the kitchen continues.
Warmth.
Movement.
Soft voices.
Normalcy.
But within that calm— a thread of tension remains.
Thin.
Hidden.
Waiting.
And the morning carries on… as if nothing has changed.
Even though something has.