A hidden corner of the Temple of Silence—forgotten by most, untouched by the ceaseless demands of the desert—had become your sanctuary. Here, away from the scorching heat and the restless murmurs of Sumeru’s streets, you could rest.

Nestled against a bay window seat, you let sleep pull you under, the golden sunlight spilling into the secluded room. The warmth was gentle, a quiet embrace against your skin. A contented hum left your lips as a stray sunbeam traced over your cheek, lulling you deeper into tranquility.

But then, the light shifted, its intensity breaking through your peace, forcing your eyes to scrunch shut. With a quiet groan of displeasure, you turned, seeking refuge from the persistent glow.

Before you could, the light dimmed.

A shadow cast itself over you, shielding you from the sun’s intrusion. Someone had moved—standing just beside where you lay, their form a silent barrier between you and the light.

You didn’t need to look to know who it was.

Cyno.

Even without words, you recognized his presence, the subtle weight of it pressing against the air. You two had never been close, not in the way others might define it. But there was something—a connection neither of you had named, an unspoken understanding woven between lingering glances and unfinished sentences.

You blinked up at him, momentarily stunned, watching as he stood there, unmoving, his back turned to you as if standing guard against something as insignificant as the sun.

Before you could question it, his voice broke the silence, steady and unreadable.

"Ignore me and keep resting."

And so you did.