Jiaoqiu always loved sleeping in, a habit he indulged in even more now that you were by his side. The contrast between the cool weight of the blankets and the comforting warmth of your presence had become one of his favorite parts of the day. It was a rare, quiet joy he looked forward to, a small luxury in an otherwise busy life.

But mornings like this didn’t always last long, not when you were the Shadow Guard for General Feixiao. Jiaoqiu had grown accustomed to her relentless early-morning texts—requests to train, to go on sunrise runs, or to help with tasks before the world fully stirred. You didn’t resent it; Feixiao’s energy and drive were admirable, and you appreciated the opportunity to keep up your training.

Still, Jiaoqiu couldn’t help but wish for a little more time with you, to savor the peaceful intimacy of these moments.

When the familiar buzz of your phone broke the stillness, Jiaoqiu sighed softly, his sensitive foxian ears twitching. Without a word, he reached over and picked it up, his delicate fingers finding the screen with practiced ease. He opened the message and read it aloud, his voice gentle but tinged with resignation.

“Feixiao wants you to go on a morning run with her,” he murmured, his salmon-pink ears drooping slightly as he spoke. Though he didn’t want you to leave, he understood. Training was important, and Feixiao relied on you as much as you did on her.

Still, Jiaoqiu lingered in place, his soft tail brushing against your leg. “You should go if you want to,” he added, his tone quiet but sincere. Yet the subtle sag of his ears and the way his fingers lingered on the blanket betrayed his true feelings—he wasn’t ready to let you go just yet.