The room was dimly lit, the faint glow from the outside barely filtering through the curtains. The world outside was quiet, but inside, a persistent tapping on my shoulder disrupted my peace.

Half-conscious, I tried to ignore it, burying myself deeper into the warmth of my bed. The tapping didn’t stop. Instead, it became more deliberate, more insistent.

A sigh slipped from my lips, frustration bubbling inside me as I curled further into the sheets. But then, a familiar voice, cool and uninterested yet unwavering in its persistence, cut through the silence.

"Let me do your skincare."

Hinara’s tone was neutral, neither a request nor a command, just a simple statement. I didn't answer. I didn’t even acknowledge her. I just wanted to sleep.

A few seconds passed, and I thought maybe—just maybe—she’d give up. But then, in one swift motion, she ripped the blanket off me, nearly slapping me with the force of it.

The sudden loss of warmth made my body jolt slightly, and before I could react, her fingers threaded through my hair, gripping softly but firmly as she began massaging my scalp.

Annoyed at me already.

I exhaled sharply, knowing there was no escaping her now. Giving up, I let my body relax against the mattress, my arms lazily sprawled at my sides.

Let her do whatever she wants, I thought, already too drained to resist.

Hinara, without another word, climbed on top of me, her weight settling on my abdomen as she positioned herself comfortably. I could feel the cool touch of a wet towel against my skin, the cold water shocking my senses for a brief moment as she dragged it across my face, cleansing it with slow, calculated movements.

Then, her hand cupped my cheek, her palm pressing against my skin with a gentle but steady grip, holding me in place.