It was a quiet evening in her apartment, the lights outside were off, she had just finished cleaning up her dinner of honey garlic glazed salmon and salad, and the spot in her bed tidied for maximum comfort. Wearing her glasses, Tiffany’s eyes were glued onto the book she was holding, a mystery short novel that she had just started the day before. 

 

Although the entire day had been exhausting, to say the least, and rest was much needed, she couldn't bring herself to put the book down and call it a day. She had just finished part five, and the main character had finally told the story of the crime in her own perspective after not speaking for years. 

 

Needless to say, she was immersed. A truck could ram into her room right now and the first thing she would do is pick up the pieces of paper and read like there’s no tomorrow. Her eyebrows furrowed, lips pursed, chipping on her fingernails softly as a million thoughts raced on her head. 

 

She was so detached from her surroundings that it took her a minute to realize someone had just pressed her doorbell. 

 

Or was she hearing things now?

 

Reading a few more lines, it took a few more seconds before another low buzz echoed through the empty living space and she finally accepted that no, she was not in fact, imagining things. 

 

Kicking off her bedsheet, she put on her fluffy slippers and stretched, making sure that her hair was at least proper. She also wore her robe. After all, her hair was an absolute trainwreck and she had no bra on because who on earth would be expecting someone to visit their house at– she looked at the clock– 2AM?

 

The doorbell rang again, prompting her to hasten things up and shout.

 

“Coming! Jeez, calm down.”

 

Waddling her way to the door, she looked at her front door camera for a second before realizing who was outside. And when she saw a tall figure looming outside wearing a thick long coat and a black turtleneck, she didn’t even need to ask who it was before opening the door.

 

“Oof—” The next thing she knew, large arms had enveloped her. She couldn’t move, and the man snuggled his way closer to her neck. Tiffany couldn’t help but return the hug, relishing the quiet moment even though she had a dozen questions as to why her boyfriend was on her front door unannounced way past midnight.

 

“I miss you.” His soft voice made its way to her and she swooned. In that moment, her annoyance subsided and all she could think about was the man in front of her.

 

“I miss you too, love.” She held his head and ran her fingers through his hair, kissing him gently on the tip of his nose before dragging him into the apartment.

 

Immediately, he plopped down on the sofa and breathed a heavy sigh. She looked at him, and the more she looked, the more she worried about his state. His eye bags were more prominent, his skin was pale, his body was thin but still holding a pack of muscles that was a result of intense working out sessions and dieting all at once.

 

And he didn’t even need to say anything for her to move.

 

The woman fixed the sofa bed, brought out some blankets and pillows and even the Totoro stuffed toy she cherished, and placed them all beside him. A small pile of clothes waited for him at the center table whenever he wanted to change, and she even prepared an omelet and some rice for him to eat. 

 

The impromptu meal filled the table, and she sat down beside him before placing a soft kiss on his temple.

 

“Boo, you need to eat.”

 

He whimpered, like a stray pup who’d just been kicked out of its shelter. “I’m on a diet…”

 

“C’mon, it’s just one meal. You haven't been able to eat properly for months because of your schedule and I know you skipped dinner again.” She pleaded, and as if on cue, puppy eyes formed on her face. “Do it for me, please?”

 

Siwon opened one of his eyes and saw her pretty face, adorably holding out a spoon filled with the egg omelet she made with some rice, and he just couldn’t say no. It was as if all fatigue and stress that had been piling up since forever faded away, replaced by the bright ray of sunshine that he was so happy to call his.

 

He opened his mouth and ate the spoonful, not caring whether he was breaking his intermittent diet and betraying the rules set up by his management. To hell with rules! She was right, he couldn’t even remember the last time he fully enjoyed a meal. 

 

After chewing, he spoke. “I’ll finish this just…” He held out her hand and looked deep into her eyes. “Stay with me?”

 

Tiffany breathed out, before smiling. 

 

"Always."

 

—

 

And so the night went on like this, Siwon eating the meal Tiffany cooked for him and the latter clinging onto his arm while soft jazz music played in the background. It was silent for a while. Tiffany was almost off to dreamland without her book and with the comfort of her partner, while Siwon was careful not to disturb her nap and just enjoy the fact that he was with the person he loved most in his life. 

 

If only it could be like this forever. Time would stop, and he could spend eternity watching her doing the most mundane things, appreciating even the smallest breath she took. How her hair framed her face, how her eyelashes caught the light, how her cheeks held a faint reddish tint even without makeup. In this moment, he can only truly ever wonder just how he could come across such a godsent being. She was a blessing, the best blessing he could ever have.

 

Without even realizing, the plate was finished and he took the most caution to get up without waking her up. He rested her on the pillows, and gave her the large Totoro plushie that she immediately scooped in her arms. His heart melted at the sight.

 

It had already been half an hour since he came. He washed the dishes, took a quick shower, and wore the spare clothes he left in her house for things such as these. Making sure all the lights were closed and faucets off, Siwon came back to the sleeping woman who was now snoring softly, still cuddling the toy as if her life depended on it.

 

He scooted over to the sofa bed and under the sheets, where he removed the placeholder on her arms and replaced it with the real deal. Him. 

 

If only all nights were like this. Tiffany hugged his torso tight, and his arm cradled her head and caressed her hair. He sprinkled kisses on her forehead every now and then, watching the moonlight seep through the windows and then unto her beautiful face. He kissed her again, and just– everytime, even though he has done it a million times, has never failed to send a tiny spark erupting from his stomach.

 

“I love you.” He spoke, placing his lips on her head. “I love you so, so much, Tiffany.”

 

And slowly, he closed his eyes.

 

—

 

The morning was much better than all the previous ones in his life, and it was all because of the girl in his arms who was still sleeping soundly despite the blaring alarm beside her. 

 

She must be tired, he thought, after all, she was also busy with events, pictorials, and projects with a new one on the way. The prospect of her working tirelessly prompted him to hug her even tighter and enjoy the small time they could be together.

 

The sun was already starting to shine, the sky a cloudy haze of muted grays and blues peeking over the horizon. Thankfully, his schedule was still in the afternoon, which was planned all along so they could have the morning together.

 

He was still so tired but he couldn’t stop looking at her peaceful face as she slept. He combed her hair, caressed her cheek, and kissed her temple. And when that wasn't enough, he pulled her closer to his chest. Thankfully she wasn't awake or else she would hear how loud his heart was beating.

 

The balance of the air conditioned room and the warm comforter soon made it easy for him to sleep, and the next time he opened his eyes, he was greeted by a beautiful sight.

 

"Good morning, idiot." A soft voice spoke from under him. He looked down and saw her still clinging unto his torso, eyes already into crescents.

 

"Good morning to you too, beautiful."

 

"Ugh, stop that. It's too early for this." She hid on his chest and curled up like a baby, a trait she did when she was shy and which he found absolutely adorable.

 

He pulled her up and placed her just underneath his jaw, where her breaths tickled his neck and where she found a place to snuggle closer into.

 

"What time is it?" She grumbled.

 

"Does it matter?"

 

"I have a shoot later at 1."

 

"I've set my alarm babe, don't worry. We can sleep some more." He trapped her in his muscular arms and squeezed her so tightly. "Look, the weather's perfect for cuddling."

 

"YAH!! STOP!! I CAN'T BREATHE!!"

 

When he pulled away with a grin, she was already pouting and scrunching her nose. As if to emphasize her point, she turned her back on him and hugged herself.

 

"Aww, the big baby is sulking now. I'm sorry." He spooned her and placed his lips against her neck.

 

"I'm not a baby." She spoke in perfect english. 

 

"But you're my baby."

 

"Stop it, Choi. It's too early for this!!"

 

Her words were meant to be a threat to his antics, but she was smiling and laughing while he forgot everything that was troubling him in life.

 

And in those few succeeding hours of more cuddling, Siwon finally got himself the much needed reminder that after all of the harsh nights, busy schedules, and unwanted negativity, there was still someone in this awful world that would love him and that he could call his home. And he was reminded on who exactly was that who owned his heart, and exactly why.