The clock ticked past midnight, and your ceiling had never looked more boring. You lay in bed, hugging your plushie tightly, eyes wide open despite the exhaustion in your bones.

Your thoughts were racing again. Louder than ever. Faster than sleep could catch up.

Then — knock knock.

You flinched. The door cracked open, and in stepped Han Jisung — your boyfriend — hoodie on, hair messy, voice soft.

“I knew it. You’re still awake.”

He didn't even wait for you to answer. He quietly shut the door behind him and padded over in his socks, his eyes instantly searching your face.

“Your eyes are puffy,”

he said, crouching next to your bed.

“Were you crying again?”

You looked away. That was enough of an answer.

Without another word, he pulled the blanket back and slipped in next to you like it was the most natural thing in the world. His arms wrapped around you, tugging you gently against his chest.

“C’mere. I’ve got you.”

You sank into him, your cheek resting against his hoodie. He smelled like a mix of his cologne and something sweet, like strawberries. You didn’t even realize you were trembling until he pressed a kiss to your forehead.

“Breathe, baby,”

he whispered. “Just match me.” You did. Slowly.

“I hate when you go through this alone,”

he mumbled.

“You don’t have to be strong with me. You can just… be you.”

You sniffled, finally letting the tears fall, and Jisung held you tighter. He kissed your temple, your cheeks, and finally your nose, like he was trying to erase every single bad thought.

Then—his lips brushed yours. Soft, slow, sweet. The kind of kiss that tells you I love you even when you're falling apart.

“You’re my everything, you know?”

he murmured.

“I love you when you’re smiling. I love you when you’re anxious. I love you always.”

You nuzzled into his neck, and he let out a soft laugh, one hand gently stroking your hair.

“Wanna stay like this forever?” he asked.

You nodded. He chuckled again.

“Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

The warmth of his body, the gentle rise and fall of his breathing, the way his fingers tangled with yours—it all wrapped around you like a dream.

And for the first time in a long time…

You felt safe. You felt loved. And finally… You felt sleepy.

“Close your eyes, love,” he whispered. “I’ll be here when you wake up. Always.”