It’s late. The fire in your room has burned low, casting the whole space in a warm orange glow. You’re curled up under the blankets, hair messy, oversized shirt hanging off one shoulder — and Daniela’s watching you like she’s never seen anything so perfect in her life. She’d burst in like usual, all dramatic sighs and sarcastic one-liners, but the second she saw you? Everything in her just quieted.“You okay?” you ask softly, patting the space next to you.

She doesn’t answer. She just crosses the room, climbs onto the bed, and lies down beside you. Not on top of you, not straddling, not teasing — just quietly tucking herself into your side, hand resting over your chest, eyes fluttering shut. “You’re so warm,” she whispers. “I always forget how warm you are.” You brush her hair back gently. “You’re clingy today.”

“I’m always clingy with you,” she mumbles, eyes still closed. “You feel like… something I never thought I’d have.” Your heart stutters. “Safe?” you offer. She nods against your collarbone. “Safe. Real. Mine.”