Eventually, Nephis pulled back.
She wiped at her eyes quickly, like she didn't want him to see, then stood up.
"I'll make breakfast," she said, her voice steady again, but softer than usual.
Sunny watched her go, still lying on the bed.
His body felt heavy, but not in a bad way.
More like he was sinking into the warmth she'd left behind.
He could still feel her touch, the way she had clung to him like she was afraid he'd disappear again.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
Pushing himself up, he followed her into the kitchen.
Nephis was already pulling things out of the cabinets when he leaned against the counter, watching her.
Then, without looking at him, she spoke.
"Would you rather want to eat breakfast… or me?"
Sunny choked on air.
She didn't turn around, but he could hear the teasing in her voice.
His face warmed, but he recovered quickly, stepping closer.
"I think I'll have you for tonight."
And just because he felt like it, he reached out and gave her behind a firm slap.
Nephis stiffened.
Then she spun around so fast he barely had time to react before she was pointing a kitchen knife at him.
"Don't do that." she said, her cheeks turning pink.
Sunny held up his hands, laughing. "Alright, alright! No need to stab me."
She huffed, shaking her head before turning back to the stove, clearly pretending nothing happened.
Sunny grinned, satisfied.
Still, he figured he should cool off.
Between the nightmare and teasing Nephis, his body felt tense.
"I'm taking a shower," he said, stretching.
Nephis didn't answer.
Smirking, he left for the bathroom.
The warm water was soothing, washing away the last bits of uneasiness.
He thought about the dream again, about his words, but he pushed them aside.
He wasn't that person anymore.
He wasn't.
But he was right.
And that's why he's gonna change it.
After drying off, he stepped out, a towel around his waist. He ran a hand through his damp hair as he walked back to the kitchen.
Nephis was still cooking, her back turned to him.
Feeling playful, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him.
She stiffened for a second but didn't move away.
"…You're warm," she murmured, flipping something in the pan.
Sunny smirked. "You like it?"
She didn't answer, but he could feel her relax slightly in his hold.
Sunny pressed a soft kiss to the back of Nephis's neck, feeling the way she shivered under his touch.
His arms tightened around her waist, his hands resting against her stomach as he pulled her closer.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
Because.. he was with her.
And he never wanted to let go.
Definitely better then that wretched nightmare he had.
Then-
"Sunny."
Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
"I can feel your..."
Sunny jumped back so fast he nearly knocked over a chair. "S-sorry!"
Nephis stayed exactly where she was, focused on the pan.
But then, just as casually, she turned her head slightly, silver eyes glinting as she looked at him over her shoulder-
And winked.
"I can't wait for tonight."
Sunny froze.
His brain completely shut down.
Did she just-
His face burned as he pointed at her, trying to figure out if she had really just said that.
Nephis, of course, went back to cooking like nothing happened.
Sunny finally found his voice. "What- what happened to the old Nephis?"
She hummed. "What do you mean?"
Sunny narrowed his eyes. "You know exactly what I mean."
He stepped closer again, watching her carefully. "What happened.. to my sweet indifferent Nephis? The one who didn't joke or show any emotions. The Nephis wouldn't... wink at me, let alone make a joke like that!"
Nephis still didn't look at him.
But he saw the way her lips twitched.
"…Did Effie teach you that?"
This time, she turned her head, giving him a completely innocent look.
"Maybe."
Sunny groaned, rubbing a hand down his face.
"I knew it."
Effie.
Of course.
Who else would be corrupting Nephis like this?
Nephis shrugged slightly. "You don't like it?"
Sunny blinked. Then scowled. "I didn't say that."
She smirked, clearly satisfied, and turned back to the pan.
Sunny sighed, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."
He moved beside her, watching as she flipped whatever she was cooking. Then, without thinking too much about it, he wrapped his arms around her again from behind.
Nephis didn't push him away. If anything, she leaned into him slightly.
They stayed like that for a moment, the warmth between them comforting.
Then-
"What were you thinking about just now?"
Sunny tensed. His flaw kicked in before he could stop it.
"…About how I got embarrassed even though we've done it multiple times."
Nephis smirked. "Scaredy cat."
Sunny scowled. "Hey."
He leaned in slightly. "I seem to remember someone else getting pretty shy yesterday."
Nephis turned her head, eyes narrowing. "I'll get my revenge soon."
Sunny chuckled, pressing a slow kiss to her cheek.
"I'll be waiting for that."