That evening, for the first time since knowing Lena, Miu felt it clearly:

She was coming home.

Not to a borrowed apartment.
Not to a place where Lena had lived alone with years of silence.

But to a space that now carried two breaths. The faint scent of Miu's shampoo lingering in the bathroom. A pair of white slippers neatly placed by the shoe rack. Miu's T-shirt hanging beside Lena's crisp shirts.

Just a few small details and the apartment no longer felt cold.

After showering, Miu stepped into the bedroom wearing a long-sleeved, pale blue cotton pajama set. Soft fabric. High neckline. Pants reaching her ankles. Her damp hair was tied neatly back.

She looked... proper. Safe. Almost innocent.

Then she froze.

Lena stood by the wardrobe, tying her hair up, dressed in black satin sleepwear—thin straps, a deep neckline, an open back that revealed smooth skin, the hem short enough to follow the curve of her hips under the warm light.

Miu nearly backed out of the room.

"LENA?!"

Lena turned calmly.

"Yes?"

"What are you wearing?!"

"Sleepwear."

"That is NOT sleepwear!"

"It's what I sleep in every night."

Miu covered her face.

"You wear that... alone?!"

Lena nodded.

"It's cool."

Miu nearly fainted.

Lena stepped closer, studying Miu from head to toe.

"And what are you wearing?"

"...Sleepwear."

"You look like you're preparing for hibernation."

"I'm cold!"

Lena touched her hand.

"You're always cold."

"That's my point!"

Lena smiled softly.

"Cute."

When Lena sat on the bed, the satin fabric shifted with her movement, revealing a glimpse of pale skin beneath the lamplight. Miu turned away instantly.

"I'm not looking!"

"But you're blushing."

"I AM NOT!"

Lena tilted her head, teasing gently.

"Are you shy around me?"

Miu bit her lip.

"You're dressed like you're trying to seduce someone..."

Lena blinked once.

"I am."

Miu froze.

"...What?"

"I'm dressing for you."

Miu short-circuited completely.

"You say things like that way too calmly!"

Lena pulled the blanket up and patted the space beside her.

"Come here."

"No."

"Sleep on the sofa?"

"No."

"Then come here."

Miu muttered under her breath before climbing onto the bed, lying stiffly at the very edge.

Lena watched her for a moment.

"What are you doing?"

"Leave me alone."

Lena reached out and pulled her in with one firm, effortless motion. Miu slid straight into her arms.

"LENA!"

"This is more comfortable."

"For who?!"

"For me."

Miu stayed tense, body rigid. Lena noticed immediately. She lowered her voice, slow and warm.

"Kiddo."

"Yes?"

"What are you afraid of?"

"I don't know."

"What do you think I'd do to you?"

Miu hesitated.

"...You look too beautiful."

Lena paused for half a breath.

"You think so?"

"...Don't ask."

Lena smiled, tightening her hold just slightly.

"I just want you to feel safe here."

Later, when Miu finally relaxed, she turned toward Lena.

A mistake.

Because the distance was too close.

Lena's collarbone caught the light, her skin smooth and warm. Her tied hair exposed the curve of her neck. The black satin traced her form effortlessly.

Miu swallowed.

Lena noticed instantly. Her gaze darkened.

"When you look at me like that..."

"Like what?"

"Like you want to kiss me."

Miu opened her mouth to deny it but Lena leaned down first.

Their lips met.

Not rushed.
Not demanding.
Just slow, warm, and reassuring.

Miu breathed out softly. Lena murmured against her lips:

"I like it when you take the lead."

Miu flushed deeply.

"I'm not—"

Lena pulled back just enough.

"Not?"

Miu stared at her lips.

One second.
Two.

Then she leaned in, placed her hand on Lena's shoulder, and kissed her.

Not fierce. But deep.

A kiss built on trust. On knowing she was safe here. On believing the person holding her would never hurt her.

Lena's hand rested at Miu's waist, responding slowly, savoring every gentle movement.

When they parted, Miu buried her face against Lena's neck.

"I'm so embarrassed..."

Lena laughed softly, stroking her hair.

"No need."

"There is! You're dressed like that how am I supposed to survive?"

"You're surviving."

"That's not what I meant!"

"I know."

Lena brushed a light kiss near her ear.

Miu shivered.

"Don't!"

"Then don't hide in my neck."

Miu hid deeper.

"I hate you."

Lena hugged her tighter.

"No, you don't."

After a while, Lena's voice softened, almost melting.

"Kiddo."

"Yes..."

"Thank you for being here."

"I'm just sleeping over."

Lena shook her head.

"No. You're home."

Miu met her gaze and for the first time, she saw it clearly:

No matter how powerful Lena was, how composed, how unshakable she appeared to the world, there was a fragile part of her that only Miu ever saw.

Miu lifted her hand, touching Lena's face gently.

"I'm here."

Lena closed her eyes, releasing a breath as if setting something down at last.

"...I know."

⸻

Just before sleep, Miu whispered:

"Can you wear different pajamas tomorrow?"

"No."

"LENA!"

"Miu."

"Yes?"

"You stare this long and expect me to change?"

"I'm not talking to you anymore."

Lena smiled quietly.

"No need. Just kiss me."

Miu kicked her lightly but still wrapped her arms around Lena's waist and pulled the blanket up.

Miu fell asleep first, breathing steady, her face tucked against Lena's neck. Lena lay awake, staring at the ceiling, then at the person in her arms.

One thought settled slowly, firmly:

This is what I want to protect for the rest of my life.

She kissed Miu's forehead softly.

"Sleep well, my future wife."