He held his pillow close, both arms wrapped around it as he slept; same as every morning. You two were not together… not officially, so he did not wish to overstep boundaries by embracing you and therefore, used said pillow as substitute. Even if he wished to run his calloused fingers along your smooth arms—to breathe in the scent of your hair.

He was asleep until he heard the light clatter, he stirred, “…you remembered,” he chuckled hoarsely as you placed the cup of tea at his side.