𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍 //𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑲𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝑭𝑭//

~𝟲𝟮~

I slept even less that night, the exhaustion finally starting to catch up to me. I could barely drag myself out of bed, my feet uncoordinated and clumsy as I forced myself out of my room. I trudged downstairs, almost tripping over my own feet.

I finally got into the kitchen, wanting to make myself some coffee to make my mind just a little more cooperative. As I stood at the counter and waited for the kettle to boil, my thoughts wandered, and for the first time I realised that I just couldn't remember my dreams from that night. I was very sure I had nightmares, but for some reason, my brain just couldn't recall the things that had woken me up in the night.

I got a fright when the kettle suddenly clicked, signifying that the water was finished boiling. I got out a cup and threw in a spoonful of coffee powder, stirring it as I poured in some water. I plopped in two spoonful's of sugar, as I usually did, pouring in just the right amount of milk before stirring again.

I was informed of a presence behind me when two hands pressed against the counter on either side of my body, caging me in and sending a shiver up my spine at Lee Know's close presence. His warm breath landed on my neck, the hairs at the base of my skull standing on end because of it.

"Good morning," I heard him mumble, his voice coming out rough and low. My muscles tensed at the sound of it, and my mind conjured up images of hearing it first thing in the morning as the sun shone in my eyes and-

"Good morning," I replied softly, sending my thoughts scattering on purpose. "You want some coffee too?" I asked him. I sensed it as he shook his head.

I caught sight of Lee Know's right hand out of the corner of my eye, his fingers tapping against the countertop, no specific rhythm or reason to it. My brain was still too tired to think of a reason why, until it wasn't necessary anymore.

"Can I... Can I put my arms around your waist?" I heard Lee Know ask, the fear and uncertainty in his voice unnerving to hear. I nodded at him.

He slowly slid his hands off of the countertop, hovering them above my waist. He hesitated for a while, the tension between us thick. Until he worked up the courage to slide his arms around my waist, hugging my body softly against his own. I placed my own arms over his, leaning into him. I dropped my head back, resting it against his collarbone before turning my head to rest my cheek against his sternum. I sighed, content.

Somehow, his presence and his strong arms wrapped so gently around me seemed to energize me in a way, my tiredness leaving my brain little by little until I felt awake and ready for the day. I slowly turned around in Lee Know's grasp, looking up at him and wrapping my arms around his waist. I smiled at him, and I saw his eyes shine a little bit brighter, a beautiful grin spreading on his lips as well.

I closed my eyes as he leaned down, feeling his lips softly press against my forehead. When he pulled away, my smile was even bigger, and my nose and cheeks prickled with just a hint of a blush.

"How'd you sleep? You seemed quite exhausted when I walked in here," Lee Know said, gently brushing his thumb over my cheekbone.

"I slept even less than the previous night, but I'm seriously hoping it'll get better. Otherwise, I might not be able to make it through the day."

I saw a slight pout form on Lee Know's lips, making a smile spread in my heart. He gently brought my head to rest on his chest again, resting his head on mine. I curled into the hug, until an idea struck me.

"What if you spend the night with me?" I asked, pulling away from him slightly. He seemed confused.

"What do you mean spend the night?"

"I mean like sit next to the bed until I fall asleep. Would you be willing to do that?" I asked cautiously. His eyes lit up at the idea and he nodded.

"Of course, I will. I'd do anything if it meant you'd sleep a little better."