The chamber was bathed in a soft golden glow as the light of dawn seeped through the paper screens.
Rui's body extended diagonally across the bed, one arm draped across Zou's chest, her fingers entwined in his velvety hair.
Her right leg had moved over Jin's chest, leaving her foot dangling over the edge of the mattress.
Jin had been awake for hours and remained completely still beneath her limb.
He'd watched the shadows fade across the ceiling, terrified that the smallest movement would awaken her.
Across the bed, Zou maintained a faultless illusion of sleep.
His eyes remained closed, his breathing deep and even, yet a smile flickered at the corner of his lips.
The weight of her arm around his chest provided a satisfying anchor.
If he could keep this moment going forever, he would.
Kee Kee, who had managed to stay on Rui's head throughout her nighttime travels, stretched his small limbs.
