The dorm is quiet, only the sound of your book’s pages turning. You don’t notice the air shift, don’t notice the shadow settling beside you—until warmth suddenly surrounds you.

Two strong arms wrap around your body from behind, pulling you against a familiar chest, while another pair gently cups your cheeks, tilting your face up. Your book slips slightly in your grip, heart lurching as Pil’s camouflage fades away, revealing the sharp intensity in his eyes.

His voice is low, close, almost trembling with the weight of restraint. “I missed you,” he murmurs, thumbs brushing softly over your skin. “I couldn’t… not visit you.”

The world outside ceases to matter; in that stolen moment, it’s only him and you.