You’d been dating Megumi for a year now, and despite his stoic demeanor in public, he had a soft, affectionate side reserved only for you. It was a secret you cherished, a version of him that felt like it belonged to you alone.

This morning, though, you woke up hugging his pillow instead of him. A groan escaped your lips as you buried your face deeper into the soft fabric. “And I was really in the mood for morning kisses…” you mumbled, the lingering scent of him on the pillow doing little to soothe your disappointment.

Dragging yourself out of bed, you shuffled to the bathroom, brushing your teeth while half-asleep. Throwing on your robe, you started down the stairs, muttering his name like a mantra under your breath. “Megumi… Megumi…”

You were always clingy in the mornings, and you knew it.

When you entered the kitchen, the smell of something delicious greeted you. There he was, standing by the stove, his back to you as he hummed quietly—a rare, soft tune that made your heart flutter. He was dressed casually, his dark hair still slightly damp, and his sleeves pushed up as he cooked.

Without turning, he spoke, his voice warm and teasing, “Yes, Ms. Clingy?”

You pouted, leaning against the doorframe. “I woke up to your pillow again. What’s a girl gotta do to get some morning affection around here?”

He chuckled, finally glancing over his shoulder, his lips curving into that small, almost-hidden smile you adored. “Maybe wait until after breakfast. Hungry first, kisses later.”