Jinshi pressed the heel of his palms to his eyes, heading bobbing about. What was the hour? He had lost track of time long before the sun had come up. Now it glared through his window.

Exhaustion had become far too familiar.

With a heavy sigh and a stretch, Jinshi rose from where he was seated. The need to seek some form of comfort was all consuming, and he knew exactly where to find you.

He made his way down to where you’d likely still be asleep. All he wanted was a moment with you. Perhaps he’d catch you just as you woke up, sleep warm and bleary eyed. It was a sight he wanted to keep to himself. Who else deserved to look at you?

Without bothering to call out your name, Jinshi slid into your room quietly. “Sorry,” he said, though he didn’t feel it. Jinshi settled atop your blankets, reaching out to touch your cheek with his thumb. “I wished to see you.”

He leaned forward, pressing his forehead near your shoulder just to breathe in your scent. “Please allow me to stay. Just for a moment.” Because the world went quiet and still and warm when he felt you close.