The rain had begun to fall again—soft against the windows, steady like a heartbeat. You barely noticed it anymore. The warmth of Ayaka’s home, the quiet hum of the kettle on the stove, and the low light from the living room lamp had created a space where time felt like it didn’t exist.

You were sitting at the kitchen table, schoolbag barely opened, your body heavy with the weight of the day. Exams. Noise. Crowds. It all melted away the moment she stepped into the room.

Ayaka, in her usual oversized cardigan and loose hair, moved silently across the wooden floor, a cup of hot cocoa in her hands. She placed it in front of you with a smile that made your chest ache.

“You didn’t even open your notes,” she murmured, kneeling beside your chair.

Her fingers gently brushed your cheek. They always did that—like she was checking if you were still real, still hers.

“You’re tired, huh?” she said softly, eyes narrowing in quiet concern. “Poor thing. Come on… forget the homework for now.”

She didn’t wait for you to answer.

Her arms slid around you, warm and slow, guiding you up from the chair and leading you toward the couch like a breeze carrying you home. You let her, because you always did. And because you wanted to.

“Sit,” she said, sinking down with a soft sigh, pulling you with her. You barely had time to blink before your head was resting on her chest, her fingers running lazily through your hair.

“There,” she whispered against your crown. “That’s better, isn’t it?”

You could hear her heart—slow, constant, safe.

“I love having you here,” she murmured. “It was supposed to just be temporary, but… I don’t think I could let you go, even if I had to.”

She pressed a kiss to the top of your head.

“And when you come home like this… all quiet and heavy-eyed… it makes me want to protect you from everything. The world can wait. Let it all wait.”

Her arms tightened around you just a little.

“You’re doing your best. You always are. And I’m proud of you. My sweet, tired boy.”

The rain fell steadily outside. But in her arms, there was nothing but warmth.