Time slipped into morning quietly, golden sunlight filtering through the curtains. Yuri's eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep, only to be greeted by the sight of her—lying beside him, her milky white flawless face bathed in soft light, peaceful and serene.
He didn't move. He couldn't.
His gaze lingered, drinking in every delicate feature—her slightly parted lips, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the way a few strands of hair kissed her cheek. There was something about her in sleep—unguarded, dreamy—that made his chest ache in the best way.
He smiled softly, a warmth spreading through him. How could someone look so ethereal just sleeping?
He reached out, carefully brushing a lock of hair away from her face, whispering under his breath, "I could look at you forever."
She stirred at his whisper, a soft groan escaping her lips as her lashes fluttered open. Her sleepy eyes met his, and for a moment, the world stood still—just the two of them, wrapped in morning warmth.
Yuri's voice was low, tender.
"Good morning, babe."
Her cheeks immediately flushed a rosy pink as she quickly pulled the blanket over her face, hiding her smile and embarrassment.
"M-Morning…" she mumbled shyly from under the covers, her voice muffled but sweet.
Yuri chuckled softly, inching a little closer, his hand gently tugging at the edge of the blanket.
"Don't hide that pretty face from me. It's my favorite thing to wake up to."
She peeked out from under the blanket, eyes wide.
"Yuri, I think we're late for the classes!"
Yuri only grinned, his voice still husky from sleep.
"It's Sunday, babe."
Before she could respond, he slid his arm around her waist and gently pulled her closer, tucking her into his chest with a lazy ease. His breath was calm, warm against her hair.
"No rushing today. Just stay with me like this for a little longer," he murmured, his voice like a lullaby against the morning hush.
Her body relaxed against his, heartbeat syncing with his steady rhythm. The world outside could wait. For now, there was only warmth, soft breaths, and the comfort of being in each other's arms.
It was already lunchtime.
Yuri was in the kitchen, preparing food with quiet focus. The aroma of something savory filled the air. Once everything was ready, he wiped his hands and made his way upstairs to call her.
He gently knocked on the bathroom door.
"Hey, how long are you gonna take?" he asked, voice soft but teasing.
From the other side, her voice came through, a bit flustered.
"I just finished showering… but I forgot to bring any clothes."
Yuri chuckled under his breath. Without hesitation, he walked over to the closet, pulled out one of his clean shirts, and returned to the door.
"Here, use mine," he said gently, offering the shirt through the slight crack.
There was a pause, then the shirt was taken from his hand.
A moment later, the bathroom door creaked open. She stepped out, wrapped in his oversized shirt, her damp hair clinging softly to her skin. The fabric hung low on her frame, sleeves too long, but it suited her—effortlessly beautiful, in the simplest way.
She looked up at him, cheeks warm.
"Thanks…"
Yuri's gaze softened. He stepped forward, brushing a wet strand of hair away from her face.
"You look perfect," he whispered.
Yuri smiled, eyes lingering on her for just a second longer before reaching out his hand.
"Come, let's have lunch," he said softly, his tone warm and inviting.
She slipped her hand into his, fingers fitting perfectly between his, and followed him down the stairs. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air—savory, comforting, homey.
In the kitchen, the table was already set. Plates were filled, the colors of vegetables and herbs bright against the white ceramic. He pulled out a chair for her before sitting across from her.
She looked at the spread, eyes lighting up.
"Did you cook all this?"
Yuri grinned proudly, taking a sip of water.
"Of course. A proper lunch for my favorite girl."
She smiled, cheeks still a little pink from earlier.
"You're spoiling me."
He leaned on the table slightly, gaze playful but sincere.
"Good. That's the plan."
They began eating, laughter and quiet conversation filling the kitchen, the afternoon sunlight pouring in like a soft spotlight on their moment.
Evening came quietly, the golden light fading into soft shadows across the walls of their little hideout. The world outside moved on, but for them, time felt slow, sweet, and just enough.
They hadn't gone out all day—there was no need. Wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence, the world beyond their door could wait.
Curled up on the couch, Yuri had his arm draped lazily around her shoulders, her head resting gently against his chest. A book lay open in her hands, half-forgotten as the rhythm of his heartbeat and the sound of his voice filled the space.
"That line was beautiful," she whispered after Yuri read aloud a passage from the book they were sharing.
He glanced down at her, brushing a fingertip along her arm.
"Not as beautiful as you listening to it."
She chuckled, eyes rolling, but the way she nestled closer gave her away.
"That was cheesy."
She couldn't help but think to herself, Is this really Yuri?
The same cold-blooded, sharp-eyed guy who barely spoke unless he had to? The one whose presence used to feel like a silent storm—intense, unreadable, and impossible to get close to?
But now…
He wouldn't stop lingering around her.
Every time she looked up, there he was—watching her with those soft, annoyingly adorable puppy eyes. He stared like she was the only thing in the room. No words needed, just this constant gaze that made her heart stutter in the most irritatingly sweet way.
And the cheesy lines?
What happened to the silent type she thought she signed up for?
"You look prettier than the sunset today."
"Don't look at me like that or I'll have to kiss you."
"Do you know how distracting you are when you smile like that?"
She'd blink, blush, and bury her face in a pillow, every time.
But he didn't stop. He just got worse. More affectionate, more clingy, more vocal—like someone flipped a switch in him that only she could touch.
And truth be told, she liked this version of him.
Even if it confused the hell out of her.
"You're staring again," she muttered, not looking up from her book.
"Can't help it," he replied casually, lying beside her, fingers brushing against hers.
"You're the best plot twist I've ever read."
Yuri lay stretched out on the couch, his arms folded behind his head, eyes half-lidded in contentment. On top of him, she lay asleep—curled against his chest, her breathing even, her weight a comfort rather than a burden.
His fingers traced slow, absent-minded patterns on her back through the fabric of his shirt, the one she still wore. The silence in the room wasn't awkward or empty—it was full of everything unspoken, everything felt.
He glanced down at her sleeping face, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
She looked so peaceful… so unlike the chaos she brought into his life, and yet the calm she always seemed to leave behind in her wake.
He wasn't supposed to be like this.
He wasn't the cuddling type.
He wasn't the type to lie quietly for hours just to feel someone's breath rise and fall.
And yet here he was, not daring to move in fear of waking her.
Not because she needed the sleep.
But because he didn't want this moment to end.
The sky outside darkened. Streetlights blinked on one by one, casting faint glows through the window. Inside their little world, time felt paused.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
Yuri reached out for the mobile and handed it to her.
Caller ID: Dad's Assistant.
She picked it up.
"Hello?"
(Yuri hugged her from behind, resting his chin in the nook of her neck.)
A calm voice came through the line.
"Miss Fernandez… Mr. Fernandez requests your presence."
She hesitated just for a moment.
"Okay, I'll be there," she replied.
She hung up the call.
Yuri: "What happened?"
She: "Dad asked me to meet him."
Yuri (without hesitation): "Okay. I'll go with you."
She (a soft pause, then): "Umm…"
She didn't finish the thought.
Yuri gently squeezed her hand.
Yuri: "You are not alone."
[Scene skips to the hospital.]
Hand in hand, they walked down the quiet hallway of the hospital's VIP floor. The air was cool, sterile, filled with soft murmurs and the hum of distant machines.
They stopped in front of a sleek, white door.
For a few seconds, they just stood there.
Yuri leaned in close to her face.
Yuri (softly): "Miss… I'll be right here. Go inside and meet him."
Y/N: "Okay."
She glanced up at him with those soft, puppy eyes—half nervous, half comfort-seeking.
Yuri gave her a gentle smile in return, reassuring.
Without a word, she turned the handle and stepped inside.
Yuri stayed behind, settling into the chair outside the room, his eyes fixed on the door she just disappeared behind.
She walked quietly into the room. The soft beep of the heart monitor was the only sound.
Her dad's assistant stood up the moment he saw her.
Assistant: "Boss… Miss Fernandez is here."
Her father, lying pale against the hospital pillows, slowly opened his eyes.
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he looked at her.
Without a word, she walked over and sat beside him.
He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and gently took hers in his.
The silence between them spoke more than words could.
Dad (his voice soft, a bit raspy): "My baby is here… Who did you come with?"
She: "With Yuri."
Dad (smiling faintly): "Where is he?"
She: "He's waiting for me outside."
Her father squeezed her hand gently.
Dad: "Call him in. I want to see him."
She nodded gently, stood up, and walked to the door. Slowly opening it, she peeked out.
She (softly): "Yuri… Dad wants to see you."
Yuri looked up from the chair, stood, and walked over without a word.
Yuri stepped inside, and her father's eyes lit up—not just with curiosity, but with familiarity.
Dad (a faint smirk forming): "Yuri… It's been a while."
Yuri stopped mid-step, surprised, then gave a small bow of respect.
Yuri (with a polite nod): "Yes, Uncle Fernandez… it's been a while."
Her dad smiled, a tired but genuine one.
Dad: "You've grown up."
Yuri quietly walked over and sat beside Y/N, their shoulders brushing gently.
Her father looked at them both—tired, but alert. His voice was softer now, more serious.
Dad: "It's good you're here with her, Yuri… I have something to tell you—both of you."
Yuri nodded, leaning in slightly, his expression calm but focused.
Dad: "I heard Renzo's shown up."
Y/N's heart skipped, and Yuri's eyes sharpened for just a moment.
Yuri: "Yes, Uncle… but don't worry. I promise—I'll be with her. I won't let anything happen."
Her father watched him, studying his face. Then, slowly, he smiled.
Dad: "Yuri… I feel something between you two."
He looked at his daughter, then back at Yuri, the corners of his eyes softening.
Dad: "It's not just youth, or comfort. It's something deeper… I see it. And I trust it."
Y/N stayed quiet
Yuri reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers and holding on tightly.
He looked her father straight in the eyes, his voice steady but full of emotion.
Yuri: "Uncle… it's my responsibility. Not just to protect her as a guardian… but to protect her as my own."
The room fell into a heavy silence—thick with emotion, truth, and unspoken memories.
Her father's eyes glistened slightly. He didn't speak right away.
Then, with a slow, proud nod, he exhaled.
Dad: "That's all I ever wanted to hear."
He looked at his daughter, his voice quieter now.
Dad: "He's the one, isn't he?"
Y/N smiled softly and looked at her father.
Y/N: "So, Dad… what were you going to tell us?"
Her father's gaze lowered slightly. His grip on her hand tightened, and his voice dropped into a more serious tone.
Dad: "I kept something from you, my baby… I'm sorry. I thought I could handle everything without dragging you into it. But it seems like… my plan failed."
Y/N (brows furrowed): "What are you talking about, Dad?"
He paused for a breath, then began, his voice laced with both nostalgia and regret.
Dad: "Your Uncle Haru and I… we've been close since we were kids. We went to the same college, studied together… shared everything."
He stared at the ceiling for a moment, lost in memory.
Dad: "Back in university, we met someone. A friend named Renzo. The three of us were inseparable. Roommates. Brothers, even."
Y/N leaned in, listening quietly. Yuri stayed still beside her, jaw tight at the mention of the name.
Dad: "After graduation, Haru inherited his family's business. Renzo and I—ambitious as ever—started something small of our own. A little company, nothing flashy… but it was ours."
He paused again, as if deciding what to reveal next.
Dad (gently continuing):
"After some time… life got faster. We were busier than ever—dealing with clients, expanding, negotiating. It was exciting, but also dangerous."
He let out a tired sigh, eyes dim with old memories.
Dad: "Some of the companies we trusted… turned on us. Deals fell through. We lost a lot. We hit rock bottom."
Y/N stayed quiet, gripping Yuri's hand tighter.
Dad: "But Haru… your uncle—he didn't walk away."
A small, grateful smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Dad: "He stepped in. Without hesitation. Backed us when no one else would. Became the biggest shareholder of our company at the time. He saved us."
He looked at them both, a seriousness returning to his voice.
Dad: "That was the turning point… but also, the beginning of something darker."
Her father's eyes softened, the weight of past struggles giving way to something lighter, warmer.
Dad: "After that… your Uncle Haru got married."
A faint smile tugged at his lips, a glow flickering in his tired eyes.
Dad: "And it was at his wedding… that I met your mother."
He paused, lost for a moment in the memory.
Dad: "That day… was the most beautiful day of my life."
Y/N's heart warmed at the rare tenderness in his voice.
Dad (voice quiet, full of emotion):
"She smiled at me like she already knew we'd spend forever together. One conversation, and I knew. Just like that."
He looked at his daughter, his hand still wrapped around hers.
Dad: "That was the moment everything started to feel real. Purposeful. Not just about building a business… but building a life."
Dad (smiling faintly):
"Two years later… I proposed to your mom. And we got married too."
Y/N felt her chest warm at the thought—her father's voice carrying both nostalgia and pride.
Dad: "Those were good years. Simple, full of love."
His smile slowly faded, just a little.
Dad: "Renzo… he was the only one left in our group who didn't have anyone. No girlfriend. No serious connection."
He glanced down at his hand, fingers brushing hers gently.
Dad: "We never thought much of it back then. He always said he was 'too focused on work.' But… I think now, it was more than that."
He looked up, eyes catching Yuri's for a brief second.
Dad: "He started changing. Quiet at first. Distant. But we felt it."
Dad: "We asked him about it. Tried to help, you know?"
He let out a soft chuckle, tinged with old frustration.
Dad: "We even set him up on so many blind dates… friends of friends, sweet girls, kind souls. But none of them worked out."
He shook his head slowly.
Dad: "At first, we thought he was just picky… or maybe shy. But the truth was—he didn't want any of them."
Y/N tilted her head slightly, brows drawn. Yuri stayed silent, sensing where the story might be going.
Dad (his voice lower now):
"It wasn't about not finding the right one. It was something else… something he never said out loud."
He paused.
Dad: "And by the time we figured it out… it was already too late."
Her father looked down for a moment, as if ashamed to say the next words.
Dad (softly):
"Renzo… had a crush on your mom."
Y/N's eyes widened slightly. Her lips parted, but no words came.
Dad: "Same day as me. At Uncle Haru's wedding. He saw her too."
He paused, breathing in deep.
Dad: "But I approached her first. I didn't even know he liked her… not at the time."
He looked at his daughter, his voice heavy.
Dad: "From that day on… Renzo had eyes on her. Always lingering. Always watching."
Yuri shifted in his seat, instinctively holding Y/N's hand tighter.
Dad (voice dropping):
"He never said it out loud. Never confronted me. But I saw it—in the way he looked at her. The silence… the fake smiles."
He swallowed hard.
Dad: "And over the years… that silent crush turned into quiet resentment. He never let it go."