Miu had been living in Ynna’s house for almost a year, ever since her parents passed away. The change had been heavy on her, but Ynna was the one who made the days feel a little less dark. Every morning, Miu would quietly slip into the kitchen and sit beside Ynna, leaning her head on her shoulder while Ynna ate breakfast. Ynna never pushed her away—she just smiled and let Miu cling, thinking it was simply comfort between cousins.

At school, Miu always walked beside Ynna, fingers loosely hooked around her arm. Whenever someone asked where Ynna was, Miu would answer instantly, like she was always keeping track. Ynna found it cute and didn’t mind at all—she thought Miu just needed the reassurance after everything she’d been through.

But for Miu, the feelings growing inside her weren’t just because she needed comfort. Every time Ynna tucked her hair behind her ear, or whispered “You okay?” in that gentle voice, Miu’s heart beat a little faster. She tried to hide it, trying to keep things normal, but she couldn’t help being clingy… staying close… reaching for Ynna’s hand whenever she felt lonely.

One evening, the two of them were sitting on the rooftop of the house, watching the lights of the neighborhood. Ynna wrapped a blanket around both of them when she noticed Miu shiver.

“You always take care of me,” Miu murmured softly, looking at the sky instead of Ynna. “Even when you don’t have to.”

Ynna smiled, leaning her head lightly against Miu’s. “You’re family. I’ll always be here for you.”

Miu’s chest tightened. She nodded, pretending that hearing “family” didn’t sting a little. She scooted closer anyway, resting her head on Ynna’s shoulder. Ynna didn’t question it—she just held her gently, the way she always did.

And in that quiet moment, Miu wished that her heart could understand the difference between comfort and the kind of affection she was starting to feel… but for now, she stayed close, hoping Ynna wouldn’t notice the way her heartbeat sped up under the shared blanket.