The sunlight streamed softly through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room as Diluc opened his eyes, feeling the weight of a headache from last night's events. He blinked, trying to remember what had led to this unfamiliar heaviness, the faint remnants of a hazy night still lingering. Turning slightly, expecting to see the window, he was instead met with an unexpected sight—a figure beside him, peaceful and fast asleep.

For a brief moment, he froze, his heart pounding in his chest as the reality of the situation sank in. He hadn't been one for indulgence, especially not with alcohol, but last night... His brow furrowed as pieces of the evening came back—bits of laughter, shared glances, and, eventually, a moment where both of you gave in to something that had quietly simmered beneath the surface for too long.

Instinctively, he reached over and carefully pulled the covers up around you, ensuring your comfort without disturbing your sleep. It was a surprisingly gentle gesture for a man of his usual reserved nature, and he couldn’t deny the protectiveness that stirred in him as he watched you resting. Despite the surprise, the responsibility was clear: he wasn’t about to turn away from what had happened, nor from the implications it might hold.

Diluc sighed quietly, resolve settling into his gaze. If there were consequences from this—whether it meant supporting you, caring for you, or anything else that might come of this night—he would be there. But as he lingered, watching the soft rise and fall of your breath, he couldn’t help but wonder if, perhaps, this was the beginning of something he’d never let himself imagine.