Theo's mind surfaced slowly from the depths of sleep, his body heavy, as though he'd been swimming through molasses. The faint rustle of fabric reached him first—the soft swish of bedsheets being straightened—and then the scent of something gentle and familiar:
Yu.
Warm skin, faint soap, a sweetness like morning tea. His lashes fluttered open, and the blurred outline of a slim figure hovered above him, haloed by the muted glow of afternoon light spilling through the curtains.
"Yu…?"
Theo's voice came out a hoarse whisper, dry and unsteady. His head ached faintly, and every muscle in his body throbbed with an ache that he couldn't quite place. He blinked a few times until the haze cleared enough to see Yu sitting at the edge of the bed, wiping his forehead with a damp cloth. Yu's expression was soft, concerned, his long lashes lowering as he noticed Theo stir.
"You're awake."
Yu said gently, setting the cloth aside. His tone carried a tenderness that made Theo's heart skip.
