4 LOVERS

Night slowly fell like a velvet curtain blanketing the sky. Outside, the sound of crickets began to hum, and the lights along the hallway of the bar flicked on one by one, casting a warm golden glow against the wooden walls. I had just finished brushing my teeth in the bathroom when Louise knocked lightly, just like always.

"Airi~"

I opened the door and was immediately greeted by that annoying face—grinning wide, one eyebrow raised. His black hair had fully dried, and he was wearing a loose gray pajama shirt with the top button deliberately left undone. I quickly turned my face away.

"What?"

"Just wanted to say... my bedroom's ready for you."

I frowned. "Ready for what?"

He leaned against the bathroom doorframe. "For you to sleep in. With me. Starting tonight. And forever."

I almost choked on air. "What?!"

Louise nodded seriously. "I thought this through. There are a few logical and very valid reasons why you should be sharing a room with me."

I crossed my arms. "I'm listening. Let's hear these so-called 'valid' reasons."

He raised a finger. "One, your room's colder. Because of the back vent. I don't want you catching a cold."

"...Okay?"

"Two, you're scared of thunderstorms. And storms can hit anytime. So, for emotional efficiency, it makes sense for you to already be with me. Just in case."

I tried not to laugh. "Emotional efficiency?"

"Three," he went on, undeterred, "if you have nightmares, it's faster to calm you down if you're next to me."

I started giggling. "Is this a research report?"

"Four," he said softer, locking eyes with mine, "because I like waking up and seeing you sleep."

Thump. My cheeks flared instantly.

"Louise..."

He stepped closer, way too close. "And five... because I'm selfish. I want you beside me every night."

I backed away awkwardly. "T-there's no extra bed in your room."

"We can share."

"Your bed's tiny!"

He gave a mischievous grin. "I don't mind snuggling."

I tossed a hand towel at his face and he ducked, laughing.

"Louise, you're impossible!"

"I know! But like, cute impossible, right?"

I walked back into my room. But he still followed.

"So? You moving in tonight?"

I turned, confused. "I... don't know..."

"If you say no, I'm sleeping outside your door like a sad puppy. Embarrassing, huh?"

I laughed. "Are you serious?"

"Maybe I'll sing love songs too. Off-key. Loud."

I had to cover my mouth to keep from bursting out laughing.

Finally, I sighed. "Alright... but only because of reason one and two. And—"

"And because you can't resist this charm?" he said, pointing at his face.

I gave him a flat stare. "And because I can't stand your off-key singing."

Louise did a little cheer like a kid who got candy. He grabbed my hand and somehow, I just let him pull me toward his room.

Once there, he yanked the blanket back and patted one side of the bed. "Here. This side's yours. This side's mine. I swear I won't cross this imaginary line." He made an invisible line down the middle of the mattress.

I lay down slowly on the side he pointed to. Louise followed.

Ten seconds.

Twenty seconds.

He was already sneaking glances at me.

"Airi..."

"What?"

"If I accidentally cross the line, don't kick me, okay?"

I fake snored.

"Airi, don't fake sleep!"

I burst out laughing. He laughed too, and somehow, we both inched closer.

"You know," he whispered, "I've never been this happy with anyone."

I looked at him. "Probably because you never let anyone share your room."

He nodded. "But you're different. You're home."

Thump.

My cheeks burned again. "Louise..."

He ran his fingers through my hair gently, then closed his eyes. "Goodnight, Airi. From tonight onward, and every night."

I bit my bottom lip, trying not to grin.

And that night, in a small room filled with laughter and soft heartbeats, I fell asleep faster than usual. Warm, safe, and wrapped in all the teasing and tenderness that only Louise could bring.

The air outside got colder, but Louise's room stayed warm. The dim light in the corner glowed softly, casting slow-moving shadows on the wall as the curtain swayed with the breeze. On the bed, two figures lay together in peace—or well, only one of them was really asleep.

Airi, with calm breathing and a cheek tucked against the pillow, was fast asleep under the thick blanket. Her cheeks were a soft pink, maybe from the hot chocolate earlier... or maybe from being next to Louise. Her tiny frame shifted slightly, like she was instinctively searching for warmth. And without even realizing it, she moved closer.

Her small body scooted toward him, the thin fabric of her pajamas brushing lightly against Louise's arm. Her soft chest gently pressed against his side. Louise, who had only been half asleep, slowly opened his eyes.

They instantly landed on Airi's figure, now nearly hugging him in her sleep. Her soft breaths tickled his skin, and her whole body felt so peaceful, like she trusted him more than anything else in the world.

Louise blinked, holding his breath. His chest pounded.

"Airi..." he whispered, barely audible. He knew she wasn't really awake. But she moved again, this time her leg slipped between his, trying to steal more warmth.

"Mmnh... warm..." Airi mumbled in her sleep, so soft Louise thought he imagined it.

He shut his eyes, trying to breathe slow. But his cheeks were already burning, and his gaze stayed glued to her. That innocent face, messy hair, lips slightly parted.

"Do you even know how dangerous you are right now?" he muttered, exasperated.

He gently brushed her hair aside. His hand paused on her cheek. The touch was feather-light, like he was scared to break the dream she was lost in. But her body responded, curling closer, arms wrapping gently around his torso.

Louise stiffened, holding back a groan.

"If you keep doing this... I might seriously lose control, Airi," he whispered, struggling.

But Airi only murmured something in her sleep, then laid her small hand right over Louise's chest—right above his fast-beating heart. And as if that wasn't enough, her face nuzzled into his neck, seeking more warmth.

"Lou...ise..." she mumbled faintly, half-conscious.

Louise nearly combusted.

His whole body was tense, but he didn't move much. He knew now wasn't the time to flirt back or wake her. But the combination of affection and sweetness nearly drowned him.

Slowly, Louise let out a long, shaky breath. He carefully wrapped his arm around her tiny body and pulled her against his chest. He kissed her hair once—soft, tender, full of unspoken things.

"Sleep tight... your protector's right here," he whispered, like a promise.

And the night rolled on in that sugary silence, filled only with soft breathing and beating hearts pressed close in the dim glow.

Louise knew... if this was a dream, he never wanted to wake up. And if this was real—he was going to protect it forever.