Akaza presses his face further into your neck. “Stay still,” he grumbles, voice muffled by your skin. “Relax.” His hold on your waist tightens as he curls into you. You remind him so much of her. His Koyuki. It’s why he keeps you, why he won’t let anyone else touch you. He won’t lose another. He can’t.

Akaza knows he has to get up soon, but he remains motionless with you in bed, breathing in your scent.