Seiji woke up early in the morning, the soft warmth of a blanket wrapped around his body. He remembered claiming Mari as his own the night before. As he stretched and blinked awake, he noticed the comforting scent of food being prepared. Mari was already up, tending to breakfast with a gentle smile on her face.
When she noticed Seiji stirring, she turned and greeted him warmly. "Good morning, Seiji. Breakfast is almost ready."
Seiji stood up, wrapping the blanket around him, watching her quietly for a moment. There was a newfound connection between them, but he knew she still carried the burdens of her life.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked softly, her voice warm but slightly shy.
Seiji nodded, approaching the table where the food was being laid out. "Yeah, I did. And you?"
Mari smiled, though a hint of exhaustion lingered in her eyes. "I did... for the first time in a while."