?Micheal’s eyes fluttered open, feeling Jasmine's warm body pressed against his side. His arm was draped around her, and a soft smile graced his lips as memories of last night surfaced. It hadn’t been his first time—not by a long shot—but it had definitely been the best.
?
?Jasmine yawned softly beside him, her golden eyes fluttering open as she smiled and nuzzled into his shoulder.
?
?"Y-you're yawn awake?"
?
?Micheal chuckled, pulling her closer and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
?"Yeah... I just woke up. I slept pretty well. What about you?"
?
?She snorted against his shoulder, her voice muffled.
?"Not very good… you snore like a hog."
?
?He let out a huff of amusement. Trust Jasmine to ruin a perfectly tender moment.
?"Are you allergic to softness or something?"
?
?"It's not my fault you stink and snore. Pick one annoying trait, please. Also, it doesn't help that you used to be kinda racist."
?
?He groaned, rolling his eyes. He caught the playful glint in hers and couldn't help smiling.
?"You’re never letting me live that down, are you?"
?
?"Nope!" she chirped, giggling as she pushed herself off the bed, leaving him immediately missing her warmth.
?
?"Hey!" he reached for her, but she danced out of reach, grinning.
?
?"Nope. Can’t stay in bed forever. What would Aki say if he saw us?"
?
?She yanked open the blinds, letting the sunlight pour into the room. Micheal hissed and shielded his eyes, which only made her giggle harder.
?
?"Freshen up, sleepyhead. I’ll make us some breakfast," she said, ruffling his hair before walking into the washroom.
?
?Micheal lay back, staring at the ceiling, his heart full. He imagined a life with her—maybe a quiet house in the countryside, ocean breeze, a few kids—
?
?"AAAAAAAHHH!!!"
?
?The scream shattered the peace. Micheal jolted upright, stumbling over clothes scattered across the floor as his heart pounded.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
?
?"Jas!? What happened—" He rushed to the kitchen and skidded to a stop.
?
?Jasmine stood there clutching her chest, eyes wide in panic. Across from her, Knox sat casually at the table with a groggy expression, toasting bread using the flames from his orange-lit hand.
?
?Jasmine pointed at him, breathless.
?"W-when did you g-get back?! Saints—you nearly gave me a heart attack! I thought some maniac broke in to make toast with fire hands!"
?
?Micheal bit down a laugh. Hard.
?
?"I apologize," Knox said blandly, not even looking at her. "I arrived a while ago. Aki offered me breakfast."
?
?He held up the toast.
?"Want some?"
?
?Jasmine exhaled sharply, caught between lingering panic and mounting irritation.
?"No thanks... Where’s Aki?"
?
?"He's out."
?
?"Out where?"
?
?"In town."
?
?"And what’s he doing there?" she asked, the edge in her voice becoming more pronounced.
?
?Knox blinked. "Currently? Interrogating villagers on your whereabouts."
?
?Both Micheal and Jasmine froze.
?
?"H-he's what?!"
?
?"He didn’t see you in your room... so he assumed something happened."
?
?"Wait—he’s out there?! Why didn’t he check my room?!"
?
?"It would have been rude."
?
?"Knox!!"
?
?The door burst open. Aki strode in, his calm demeanor completely shattered—hair messy, eyes wild. His gaze landed on Jasmine, and relief washed over him.
?
?"She was with Micheal," Knox said casually, taking a sip of his tea.
?
?Aki blinked, processing that. Then, in a deadpan voice, he looked Jasmine square in the eye.
?
?"Did you use contraceptive?"
?
?Jasmine’s face turned beet red. Her eyes wide in silent horror and embarrassment.
?
?Micheal doubled over laughing, unable to hold it in any longer.
?
?Even Knox choked and spat out his tea while Aki just looked lost. ",Did I say something wrong?"
?
?
?
