Yuta Okkotsu hardly ever slept—or at least, he rarely managed to get a good night's sleep.

You could tell by the dark circles under his eyes that had lingered since the first time you met. Since he first stepped into the jujutsu academy, still that boy who was too kind, too cautious, too scared for someone so young.

Yuta's sleep never seemed deep. Never peaceful.

Over time, however, you started dating, and he began to frequent your dorm more often. Sometimes just to keep you company. Sometimes to talk about anything irrelevant until late at night. And other times, just to lie beside you in silence, as if your presence were enough to alleviate the constant weight he carried on his shoulders.

There was always a pattern.

Yuta never fell asleep first.

He stayed awake longer than he should, watching you distractedly while pretending to pay attention to a book or his phone. Sometimes he would wake up in the middle of the night just to silently confirm that you were still there. And, inevitably, he always woke up first.

It seemed his body had forgotten how to truly rest.

It was never a problem.

In fact, it was just Yuta's silent and almost painful way of taking care of you—even if it meant neglecting his own tiredness. Even if his eyes were heavy. Even if his mind never completely stopped.

But, as he grew closer to you, things began to change.

Not much. Just a little. Enough.

He seemed more comfortable when he was by your side. Lighter. The constant tension in his shoulders lessened, his expression became less tired, and his eyes lost that permanent state of alertness.

For the first time in a long time, Yuta could rest. He could close his eyes without fear. He could sleep peacefully.

And that morning, that was the greatest proof of it.

After a long and exhausting mission, Yuta insisted on staying by your side the entire time, making sure you were alright, that you hadn't been hurt, that you were safe.

He never openly asked to stay. He just remained there. Present. Observing.

Bringing you things unnecessarily. Tidying up small details in the dormitory without realizing it. Asking, from time to time, if you needed anything, even though he was clearly more tired than he let on.

Until, at some point during the night, he simply fell asleep.

And he fell into a deep sleep.

Dawn arrived slowly through the gaps in the curtain, tinging the room with a silent, golden light. And when you awoke, you found Yuta right there.

His movements were sluggish, compromised by deep sleep.

His warm, deep breath brushed against the sensitive skin of your neck, slow, comforting. His face remained nestled there as if it were the safest place in the world. It was as if he had finally found a place where he didn't need to be constantly on alert.

His strong, gentle arms wrapped firmly around her waist, preventing any unconscious attempt to pull away. Under the duvet, his leg remained intertwined with hers, keeping her trapped in that sleepy, silent warmth.

Then, his fingers unconsciously tightened around her shirt. Weak. Lazy. Trying to reassure her, even in her sleep, that she was still there.

Yuta buried his face deeper in her neck, seeking warmth, letting out a low sigh against her skin. And on his lips was a small smile.

A genuinely peaceful smile.

The kind that only appeared when he finally managed to truly rest.