Sunlight spilled gently through the curtains, painting the room in soft gold. I woke slowly, stretching, and noticed the faint aroma of coffee drifting through the air. He was already up—sitting on the couch, casually leaning back, eyes on the muted TV. Somehow, it was… calming.
I hesitated for a moment, just watching him. Then I walked over, settling lightly on the edge of the couch.
"I… just wanted to say thank you," I said softly.
He glanced at me, one eyebrow slightly raised. "For what?"
"For… everything," I admitted, then forced a small, teasing smile. "For kidnapping me."
He froze for a fraction of a second, then a low laugh escaped him. "That's crazy. You're… happy I kidnapped you?"
I nodded, shrugging slightly. "Well… I was already trying to escape my home. I… it wasn't safe. That's why I flinched when you had the knife earlier." I hesitated, then rolled up my sleeve, showing the faint scars from my mother's abuse. "That's why I reacted like that. That's all."
His eyes softened immediately, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "I… didn't know," he said quietly.
"It's okay," I whispered, looking down at my hands. "I don't want to move in or anything. I just… maybe if you'd let me stay here a little longer, I could figure out what comes next. Eventually… I could go back home."
He looked at me for a long moment, eyes unreadable. Then he leaned back slightly and smirked. "No."
I froze. "Oh… okay," I said slowly, trying not to let my disappointment show.
He shook his head and smiled softly. "Really. You can stay as long as you want. Move in if you want. I don't even care."
I blinked, stunned. "…Really?"
"Of course," he said, calm and certain. Then he stood and began walking toward the kitchen.
Something inside me surged, impulsive and sudden. I jumped up, ran in front of him, and wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
He froze for a moment, surprised, then gently lifted my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. His eyes softened, searching mine, and then—slowly—he kissed me.
I blinked, startled, and then kissed him back, wrapping my arms a little tighter around him. The world outside the room disappeared—no basement, no past, no fear—just the warmth of him, steady and certain, and the quiet understanding that maybe, for the first time, I truly belonged somewhere.