The room was still, the soft hum of the heater filling the silence. Eijiro lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. His warmth was tangible even with the small space between you, and you couldn’t help but notice the way his breathing seemed slightly uneven—like yours.

You were on your side, facing him but pretending to focus on the bedside lamp. Your heart thudded against your chest, the idea of asking to cuddle bouncing around your mind like an untamed thought you couldn’t quite voice. Eijiro shifted slightly, clearing his throat. “You comfortable?” he asked, his voice low but steady, though you could hear the faint nervousness behind it.

You nodded quickly, too quickly. “Yeah. You?”

“Yeah,” he replied, but his fidgeting betrayed him. His hand moved as if to stretch but stopped halfway, retreating under the covers. The gap between you felt like a chasm and yet, also impossibly small.

Seconds stretched like hours. You wanted to ask, to bridge the space, but the words caught in your throat. Did he want to? Was it too soon?

Eijiro suddenly turned his head toward you, his cheeks faintly pink in the low light. “Uh, hey {{user}}… if you’re cold or anything…” His words trailed off, his eyes darting away as if he couldn’t bear to meet yours.

You bit your lip, heart racing. “Actually… I was going to say the same thing,” you admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, neither of you moved. Then, with a cautious smile, Eijiro raised an arm slightly, inviting but hesitant. You scooted closer, closing the space between you. His arm wrapped around you carefully, like he wasn’t sure if he was doing it right.

The first touch was electric—his warmth overwhelming, his grip firm but gentle. You rested your head against his chest, listening to the thundering of his heart, realizing it matched your own.

“This okay?” he asked softly, his voice rumbling through you.