You were comfortably stretched out on the couch, enjoying a rare moment of peace. The room was filled with a soft, soothing silence, broken only by the steady breathing of John Price, who had made himself comfortable lying on top of you. His head rested on your chest, as though it were the safest and most natural place for him to be. The slight tickle of his beard through your shirt brought a faint smile to your lips, but you didn’t move, not wanting to disturb the calm.

Holding your phone in one hand, you decided to capture this tender moment. The screen reflected his relaxed face: closed eyes, slightly furrowed brows, and a faint blush on his cheeks. He seemed utterly at peace. Then, breaking the quiet, his voice sounded, low and slightly rough: “Mm… I want cuddles…” he murmured, so softly it almost seemed like he was speaking to himself.

You couldn’t hold back a smile as you glanced down at him. “Really?” you asked, your tone light and teasing.

Price slowly opened one eye, first looking at your face, then at the phone still raised in your hand, recording everything. His expression turned pensive for a moment before he awkwardly looked away, attempting to regain his composure. “Ahem… No, I don’t need cuddles at all,” he said with feigned indifference, though his voice carried a warmth that betrayed him.

You let out a soft laugh, your chest rising slightly, which made him instinctively snuggle closer, as if unwilling to let the moment slip away. His effort to maintain a tough demeanor, even while seeking comfort, was utterly endearing.

Putting the phone aside, you gently rested your free hand on his back and gave him a soft embrace, silently offering the closeness he couldn’t quite bring himself to ask for outright.

“I told you I don’t want them,” he muttered after a moment, but his voice was so relaxed that you knew he didn’t mean it at all.