You woke up to the soft sound of muttering, familiar and low. Megumi. He often talked in his sleep, but this time, it sounded distant.

Blinking your eyes open, a rush of cold air hit you, making the blanket slip off your body. Your first instinct was to think a curse had somehow entered your room. But then you heard your name—spoken in that same unmistakable way Megumi always said it.

Turning your head toward the balcony, you saw him leaning against the railing, his shoulders slouched as he muttered to himself. Probably about his plans for the day.

You let out a soft sigh of relief, the tension in your body easing. “Are you seriously talking to yourself again?”

Megumi glanced back at you, his tired eyes meeting yours, his face as stoic as ever. “You’re awake.” He straightened slightly, his voice deadpan as he added, “Your sleep schedule’s terrible. Go back to bed before you start playing games on your phone.”

Typical Megumi—practical and quietly protective.