The room had become completely quiet.
At some point during the night, Mo Wan had fallen asleep.
Curled comfortably against Zero while sitting on his lap, her breathing had slowly softened until it became steady and peaceful. One of her hands still remained loosely intertwined with his, unwilling to let go even unconsciously.
Zero looked down at her quietly.
Then smiled faintly.
"…You really fell asleep."
Mo Wan did not answer.
Only shifted slightly closer against his chest.
The spirit lamps painted her sleeping face in warm golden light while ocean wind moved gently through the room. Several loose strands of hair rested across her cheeks, and her expression looked completely defenseless.
Safe.
Comfortable.
Zero carefully brushed the hair away from her face without waking her.
She reacted instinctively anyway, lightly tightening her hold on his clothes while murmuring something incomprehensible in her sleep.
The sight almost made him laugh quietly.
