Soft sunlight spilled through the window, painting the bedroom in golden warmth. The bedsheets were tangled at the foot of the bed, and the faint scent of fresh linen lingered in the air. Aaina stirred first, eyes fluttering open as she stretched lazily, still cocooned in Noah’s oversized sweatshirt.

Noah lay beside her, still half-asleep, arm lazily thrown across her waist, face buried in the pillow.