Chapter Text
“Those who know don’t talk. Those who talk don’t know”
– Tao Te Ching
Yor was fortunate enough to be born with steady hands. Maybe it’s not much for some. It’s not like it’s an exceptional talent. Having steady hands doesn’t really make her special . But her mother used to say that she could be a doctor. Doctors have pretty steady hands , her mother said, it’s why they save a lot of lives. But Yor wasn’t book smart. She had a hard time grasping school lessons and despite her parents’ effort to teach her, even getting to the point where they got her a tutor, she wasn’t really cut out to be their pride and joy. No, that pride was reserved for her younger brother, Yuri, who doesn’t even need to make an effort to get straight As. Some people are just born geniuses and Yor wasn’t one of them. But just because she wasn’t a genius, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have anything to be proud of. She lacked intelligence (it’s how she describes herself, much to her family’s dismay) but she was an artist.
She can play a lot of instruments, the piano being one of them. She loves to write songs and she was blessed enough to be able to do sculpting. Yuri had his own cabinet in their home full of trophies and medals. Hers was full of little sculptures and music-related things. Every time she comes home, she stares at the two cabinets and smiles to herself. She was glad she had something to be proud of.
After their father’s passing, Yor worked harder so she could help her mother. Funnily enough, because of her steady hands, she became an apprentice of a professional hammer user. And because her father enrolled her in a self-defense class when she was young, she ended up becoming an instructor in the same class. Her brute strength became an advantage for her in taking up jobs usually for men . People would sometimes raise an eyebrow once they found out what kind of jobs she had but she couldn’t care less. She was earning money, enough to support her family, and that’s all that matters to her.
But even though she was already earning money, her love for music and the arts never left her mind. And so while she was busy polishing a new hammer or while she was busy teaching the kids the proper form for self-defense, her thoughts were always filled with her, on a stage, singing her heart out, letting the world hear her words, letting the world get to know her through her music. It was a foolish idea, she thinks. There were already a lot of singers in the world, much more talented than she was, and so she had no spot in the industry. And it’s not like she was going to get discovered just by merely singing in her room with only her mother, her brother, or her stuffed animals as her audience.
That was until her mother brought her to a resto-bar to celebrate her birthday. Sadly, Yuri was out of town so it was only the two of them. The Briar ladies were not big drinkers, considering how poor they handled their alcohol. So she couldn’t really understand why her mother brought her there. I wanted to hear you sing and I’m sure everyone here would like to hear your voice too. After thirty minutes of convincing, she stood in the middle of the small stage and sang one of her original songs (thank God the band lent her a guitar).
The next thing she knew, a talent agent was knocking on their door saying that someone had taken a video of Yor singing and it went viral on social media.
Everything happened so fast, one moment she was just singing inside her room, and the next thing she knew, she was already having tours all over the world.
The kind of success Yor had (or have) scared her. Why did everything seem so perfect and too good to be true? Surely there’s something bad that’s about to happen right? But she was finally living her dream. She had fans, money, and most importantly, the world now knows who Yor Briar is and they are actually listening to the words she longed to sing.
She was finally being heard.
Her talent agency was having a blast, saying they hit the jackpot with Yor Briar. That it took them so long to find an artist as exceptional as her. She’s not sure if they’re saying all that because it’s the truth or because they don’t want Yor to stop whatever she was doing. Either way, she was just happy they were letting her do whatever she wanted with her music. She never felt more free than she was right now.
However, almost a year ago, her talent agency told her that she had a new project to work on.
An acting project.
She panicked. She doesn’t know anything about acting! She was a singer . She didn’t sign up for this! But her agency was persistent. We have to strike while the iron is burning , they said. The people want something new. Plus, you were the director’s first pick for the role. You would do great, Yor, there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Except there is. She was working alongside Winston Wheeler, of all people! She didn’t know why one of the most prominent actors in the world would want to work with a newbie like her. And it’s not like they know each other. She had met him on an awards show before but she’s not sure if he actually remembers her. Of course, she wouldn’t assume such a thing. They only smiled at each other before he got called on the stage because he had won yet another award.
When they met again on the script reading, Yor avoided eye contact, her words catching in her throat every time Winston looked her way. Winston noticed her tense demeanor and couldn’t help but offer a gentle tease.
“You know, you can breathe, right?” His tone was lighthearted, an attempt to ease her nerves. Yor blinked up at him, startled.
“O-Oh, I’m sorry! Was I doing something wrong?” she stammered, clearly flustered.
Winston chuckled softly. “Not at all. You just looked like you were about to wrestle the script instead of read it.”
Yor let out a nervous laugh, glancing back down at the words on the page. “I guess I’m just... a little out of my depth here,” she admitted, her voice soft. “You’re used to all this, but I’ve never acted before. I don’t even know where to start.”
Winston leaned in slightly, his voice gentle but reassuring. “Everyone feels like that at the beginning. It’s okay to be nervous. Actually, it’s a good thing—it means you care.”
Yor’s eyes dropped, her grip on the script tightening. “It’s just... hard not to feel like I’m going to mess everything up, especially with someone like you. You’re... well, Winston Wheeler.”
Winston smiled, a playful glint in his eyes. “Oh, right. The Winston Wheeler. Maybe you’ve heard of me?”
Yor’s cheeks flushed a little, shaking her head.
“N-No! I mean, yes, of course I have! It’s just... you’re really good at this.”
Winston’s smile softened into something more sincere. “Listen, Yor, you’ve got something special. I saw it when I heard you sing. That same spark? It’s going to show up here, too. You just need to trust yourself.”
Yor took a deep breath, her fingers slowly stilling as she calmed. “I don’t know if I can pull it off like you do,” she whispered.
Winston leaned back, grinning. “Tell you what—if you feel lost, just follow my lead. We’re in this together, alright?”
Yor finally managed a small smile, the tight knot of anxiety in her chest loosening a little. “Alright. I’ll do my best,” she said softly.
Winston gave her an encouraging grin. “That’s all anyone can ask for. But don’t be surprised if you end up outshining me.” Yor laughed, though her nerves hadn’t fully left her.
“I doubt that,” she said, but Winston just chuckled.
“We’ll see about that.”
The man was nice and accommodating. He’d do all sorts of things to make her comfortable on the set and it didn’t take long for them to actually be friends . And them being friends, surprisingly, helped with the promotion of their movie.
This is why it was no surprise to everyone when they saw the amount of people at the movie’s press conference.
She sat downstage, the bright lights of the press conference room shining down on her. She wore a simple but elegant black dress that accentuated her graceful figure, her dark hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders. The room was buzzing with excitement, journalists and photographers eager to capture every moment of the event sat before them. On her right side, was the director of the movie, on her left was the ever-dashing Winston Wheeler. Known for his charisma and commanding presence, Winston looked dapper in a tailored suit. His easy smile and relaxed demeanor provided a stark contrast to Yor's composed yet slightly nervous stance. Yor fiddled with her fingers, trying her best to appear confident.
The director started talking. Thanking everyone for being there, and saying how lucky he was that he was able to work with some of the most talented actors in the industry for this project. Yor wasn’t sure though, if he was talking about her . But she was too nervous to even overthink. She looked around the room as countless journalists and photographers stared at them. This, she realized, is far more different than being onstage with a microphone. It doesn’t even feel like she belongs here.
“Hey,” Winston called, “You okay?”
Yor flexed her fingers, cracking her knuckles before discreetly holding out her trembling hands for Winston to see. Her nerves were fraying fast, and she felt the familiar signs of a panic attack creeping in. Her breath hitched as she inhaled deeply, fighting the urge to bolt and find a quiet corner to break down in. Where was the steady hand her mother always said was meant for med school?
“I think I’m gonna throw up,” she whispered, her voice barely steady.
Winston’s gaze softened, instantly reading the fear in her eyes. Without a second thought, he reached over and gently squeezed her hand.
“You’ve got this, Yor. You’re already doing amazing.”
His smile, warm and reassuring, worked like a balm, slowly easing the panic rising inside her. The knot in her chest loosened, and for the first time in what felt like hours, she managed a small, shaky smile in return.
Their little moment was abruptly cut short by the sudden burst of camera flashes. Yor instinctively pulled her hand back, her pulse quickening again, but this time for a different reason. She and Winston exchanged a quick glance, both of them stiffening as they realized their private exchange hadn’t gone unnoticed.
The flashes came quicker now, relentless, like a wave crashing over them. Before either of them could react, the host's voice rang through the room, cutting through the murmurs.
“So, there’s been quite a bit of speculation about you two,” the host said, a teasing smile on her lips. “The dating rumors started swirling months ago—before you even wrapped filming. Care to clear the air?”
Yor’s heart sank. She felt her cheeks flush, not from embarrassment but from the sudden spotlight on something she’d been desperately trying to avoid. She glanced at Winston, hoping he’d take the lead. He, too, looked taken aback, though he quickly regained his composure, flashing the room his signature easygoing smile.
“Well,” Winston began, his tone light but measured, “Yor and I have had an amazing time working together. We’ve become really close as co-stars and friends, and I think that’s what people are picking up on. You know how fans can get—they see chemistry on screen and run with it.” He chuckled, but there was a tension in his eyes that only Yor could spot.
The crowd chuckled along with him, but the cameras kept clicking, hungry for more. The host wasn’t about to let it go either.
“Friendship, huh? But those behind-the-scenes videos were very convincing. Even off-camera, you two seem inseparable. Nothing more than that?” The host pressed, leaning forward as if she could coax a confession from them.
Yor’s throat tightened. She could feel the weight of every gaze on her, the anticipation thick in the room. For a second, her mind went blank. The last thing she wanted was to fuel the rumors, especially with someone watching from somewhere in the room. Her fingers curled slightly.
Winston cleared his throat, and when he spoke again, his voice was a bit firmer. “I think we’re both just lucky that we get along so well on and off set. It makes the work easier. But really, that’s all it is. We’re professionals who respect each other.”
Yor nodded, finding her voice at last. “Winston’s right. We’ve worked hard on this film, and I think people are mistaking our friendship for something else.” She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “We hope you enjoy the movie for what it is—a great story, not a rumor mill.”
The host, sensing they were sticking to their script, finally relented. “Fair enough,” she said, her smile still playful but a bit disappointed. “It’s hard not to wonder when the chemistry is so strong. But I suppose we’ll let the fans decide.”
Yor exhaled, her body relaxing just a fraction.
As the press conference rolled on, the energy in the room remained charged with excitement. This wasn't just any film—it was Yor’s debut on the big screen, and that alone had drawn a tidal wave of media attention. For three years, she had been known as the nation’s sweetheart, a pop star who had captivated audiences with her stunning vocals, magnetic stage presence, and undeniable charm. Now, she was stepping into the world of acting, and the anticipation was palpable.
The host leaned forward with a grin. “Yor, this is your very first film, and fans all over the world know you as a singer—a pop star, even. What made you take the leap from music to acting?”
Yor smiled, grateful for the question. “I’ve always loved storytelling, whether it’s through music or film. When the opportunity came to try something new, I was both excited and terrified,” she admitted, the honesty in her voice drawing the room in. “But I’ve always believed that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. This role, this film, gave me the chance to challenge myself in a way I hadn’t before.”
Winston, sitting beside her, nodded in agreement. “It’s hard to believe this is Yor’s first film. She’s a natural, and she brought so much to her character. It’s no surprise, though—she’s been captivating audiences for years.”
A round of applause rippled through the room, and Yor’s cheeks flushed with warmth. “Thank you,” she said softly, her gaze briefly falling to her lap before she looked up again. “It was definitely a transition, but music and acting aren’t as different as I thought. In both, you have to convey emotion, tell a story, and connect with people. It’s just a different medium.”
A reporter in the back raised their hand and stood. “Yor, you’ve been in the spotlight for a few years now, and you’ve managed to stay grounded despite the fame. But now that you’re entering the film industry, do you think this will change how people see you?”
Yor took a moment to consider the question, her expression thoughtful. “I think people will always see me in different ways depending on what they connect with—whether that’s my music or now, my acting. But at the end of the day, I just want to make sure that whatever I do, I’m being true to myself. Fame can be overwhelming, but I’ve always tried to stay focused on the work and the joy that comes from it.”
Before the next reporter could ask their question, the host interjected with a playful grin. “And speaking of work—Yor, you were paired with Winston for this romantic comedy. How did that dynamic play out, considering you come from two different industries?”
Yor laughed lightly. “I was definitely nervous at first. I mean, Winston is such an experienced actor, and here I was, completely new to this world. But he was so supportive from day one. We worked together really well, and it felt natural—like we just clicked.”
Winston grinned, adding, “Honestly, Yor made the transition look easy. You’d never know this was her first film. She brought a lot of her stage presence to the screen, and it really made her character come alive. It was a lot of fun.”
“Yor, as a pop star, you’re used to performing live, connecting with audiences in real time. How was it different, or maybe even similar, being on a film set?”
Yor’s smile returned, this time more genuine as she found her footing again. “That’s a great question. On stage, there’s this instant feedback from the audience—you know right away if they’re feeling it or not. But with film, it’s more about trusting the process and your co-stars, because you don’t get that immediate response. It’s a different kind of energy, but at the same time, I found myself leaning on my musical instincts to bring out certain emotions in the scenes.”
She glanced at Winston, who was nodding along. “And having Winston there made it easier. He was always giving me pointers, helping me feel comfortable in front of the camera. He’s got this calm, reassuring presence, which was a big help for someone like me who’s so used to performing in front of crowds rather than cameras.”
The host chuckled. “It sounds like you two had a blast working together.”
“We did,” Winston agreed. “Yor brings this infectious energy to everything she does, whether it’s music or acting. It was impossible not to have fun on set.”
“So, let’s talk about the film itself,” the host continued, “This romantic comedy has garnered a lot of attention even before its release. Tell us a bit about what drew you both to your roles.”
Yor straightened, feeling more in her element now that they were back on safer ground. “For me, it was the script,” she began, her voice steady. “It’s rare to come across a romantic comedy that blends humor and heart so well. My character, Celia, has this vulnerability, but she’s also incredibly resilient. She’s awkward, but her warmth and sincerity make her easy to root for. I just loved how real she felt.”
Winston nodded beside her, picking up where she left off. “And my character, Sam, is this laid-back guy who doesn’t really take life too seriously, at least not until he meets Celia. There’s this balance in their relationship, where they bring out the best—and sometimes the worst—in each other, but in a way that’s both funny and touching. It’s that dynamic that drew me in. Plus,” he added with a grin, “who wouldn’t want to work on a set full of laughs?”
The room chuckled lightly, easing some of the remaining tension.
One of the reporters chimed in, “The trailer shows some hilarious scenes between the two of you. Were there any particularly memorable moments on set that really captured that dynamic?”
Winston leaned forward, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Oh, there were plenty. But I think one that stands out is the scene where Sam and Celia have their first accidental kiss. It was meant to be this super awkward, comedic moment—Celia trips, Sam tries to catch her, and bam! They kiss. Except, during one take, we both just fell flat on the floor, knocking over an entire table of props.”
Yor chuckled, recalling the scene. “And the best part was, it was totally unscripted, but the director loved it so much he decided to keep it in the film.”
“That was one of those moments where the humor just felt so organic,” Winston added. “And I think that’s what audiences are going to love about this movie. It’s not just the scripted jokes; it’s the little unscripted moments that make these characters feel real.”
The host nodded, clearly entertained by the story. “It sounds like you two had a lot of fun on set. How did that translate into the on-screen chemistry? Because, let’s be honest, the trailer practically oozes it.”
Yor glanced at Winston, grateful for the comfortable camaraderie they had developed. “I think it’s because we trusted each other from the start,” she explained. “Winston and I made sure we were on the same page with every scene, and we supported each other through the more challenging moments. It made working together easy, and I think that natural connection just flowed into our performances.”
“Plus,” Winston interjected, grinning, “Yor’s just a really easy person to get along with. You can’t not have chemistry with her.”
Yor smiled at his words.
As the final question was asked and answered, the host brought the press conference to a close. "Thank you all for coming today," she said with a warm smile. "We can't wait for you to see this film and experience the incredible chemistry between Yor and Winston on the big screen. It’s been an honor having you both here today."
Applause erupted, cameras flashed once more, and Yor could feel the weight lift off her shoulders. She exchanged a polite smile with Winston as they both stood, bowing slightly toward the crowd. Despite the smiles, Yor couldn’t wait to escape the room full of reporters and their never-ending questions.
As they exited the stage, Winston gave her a light tap on the arm. “Great job out there, Yor. You handled everything really well.”
Yor smiled, a little tired but genuine. “Thanks, Winston. You too.”
He paused for a moment, his eyes lingering on her with that same friendly warmth.
“I meant it when I said you did amazing. See? I told you, you have nothing to be afraid of. They love you and they will definitely love this film because of you.”
Yor’s eyes softened, “I owe it to you, you know?”
Winston smiled before giving her a one-arm hug, “I’ll see you at the interview?”
She smiled, “Yes. Take care.”
Winston stared at her for a few seconds before nodding, “You too, Yor.”
Yor watched as Winston walked off, his casual charm leaving her with a sense of relief and comfort. He had been a true friend throughout the whole process of her debut film, helping her settle into a world she was still getting used to.
She turned around and immediately sees her friend and her manager, Olka, who is smiling from ear-to-ear. Olka walked towards her and hugged her tightly.
“Yor! That was amazing! You handled yourself so well, especially with all those annoying dating rumors.” Olka said, practically bouncing with excitement. “You’re a natural.”
Yor smiled, a little tired but grateful. “Thank you, Olka. It was nerve-wracking, to be honest.”
Olka waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, please. They love you. You’re the pop star turned actress everyone’s obsessed with right now. This film is just the beginning for you.”
Yor nodded, appreciating her encouragement, but feeling the weight of it too. As much as she loved singing, stepping into acting was a whole new world—one that came with its own challenges, including the constant speculation about her personal life.
“Anyway,” Olka continued, checking her phone, “I’ve lined up more interviews for the coming days. We’ll need to talk strategy, but for now, you deserve a break. Plus, I still need to go back to the office to arrange some things.”
Olka turns around and gestures at the group of people behind her, “I’ll let you guys take her home, okay? Make sure she’s safe!”
Yor smiled, “Thanks, Olka.”
Olka gives her a soft kiss on the cheek, “Go, now, Princess. Take a rest.”
Right after Olka leaves, four bodyguards stood in front of her. Andrew, Chris, Fiona, the only woman, and Loid, who was watching her with that same calm, focused gaze he always had. Ever professional, he nodded subtly when their eyes met, his hands clasped in front of him, waiting patiently like the bodyguard he was supposed to be.
“Right this way, Ma’am.”
Yor heaves a sigh.
As they reached her waiting car, Fiona gestured for her to enter. Yor slipped inside, followed closely by Loid, who sat beside her as the car began its smooth journey through the city. The silence in the car was palpable, only the faint hum of the engine and occasional radio chatter from her bodyguards breaking the quiet.
When they arrived at her apartmentsame building, Loid opened the car door for her with the practiced professionalism. He and Fiona fell into step beside her as they made their way through the lobby, her heels clicking lightly against the marble floor. It was always like this—businesslike, composed, no words exchanged unless necessary.
At her apartment door, Loid paused, waiting as she unlocked it.
“Goodnight, Miss Briar,” he said, his tone cool and detached.
Yor nodded, offering a small smile. “Goodnight, Mr. Forger. Thank you.”
He gave a slight bow, then turned and walked away, disappearing down the hallway with the same quiet grace he always carried. Yor watched him for a second longer before stepping inside, closing the door softly behind her.
The moment she was alone, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. The tension in her body eased as she kicked off her heels, letting them clatter against the floor. She padded barefoot across the spacious living room, the plush carpet soft under her feet. The city lights filtered in through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the minimalist décor.
Her mind wandered back to the press conference. The endless questions, the scrutiny... It was all part of her new life as an actress. She is, by nature, a very reserved and introverted person, so interacting with many people simultaneously was a daily challenge. Nevertheless, it was the life she had chosen and she didn’t regret it any bit.
Yor entered her bathroom, ready for the escape she so desperately craved. She turned on the faucet, filling the tub with hot water and a hint of lavender oil. The scent filled the room as she shed her clothes, letting them fall to the floor. She slipped into the tub, the warmth instantly soothing her tired muscles.
She closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift into the peaceful silence. Minutes turned into nearly an hour as she lay there, letting the water wash away the stress of the day. But then, just as she began to lose herself in the moment, she heard the faint sound of her front door opening. A soft, familiar creak followed as it swung shut again.
A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Moments later, the door to her bathroom opened, and there he was—Loid Forger.
Her Loid Forger.
The professionalism was gone, replaced by something far more intimate. He stood there, his eyes soft, his usually stoic expression betraying a quiet tenderness as he stepped inside.
“You’re late,” Yor said, her voice soft and teasing, though her eyes sparkled with affection.
Loid’s lips curved into the faintest of smiles. “You know I had to keep up appearances.”
Yor chuckled lightly, her earlier exhaustion now forgotten. He approached the tub, crouching down beside her, his fingers brushing gently against her wet hair. “Long day?” he asked quietly.
She nodded, leaning into his touch. “Too long.”
Loid’s fingers lingered in her hair, gently combing through the damp strands as he knelt beside the tub. Yor gazed up at him, the warmth of the water and the softness of his touch grounding her after the hectic day.
“You did great today,” Loid murmured, his voice low. His usual composed demeanor softened even further when it was just the two of them.
Yor smiled, her eyes fluttering closed again. “I wasn’t sure if I could handle it at first,” she admitted, her tone a bit lighter now that they were alone. “The press, the…rumors... it’s exhausting.”
“You’re stronger than you think,” Loid whispered, his hand gently trailing down to her cheek, cupping it in his palm. His thumb brushed along her skin, and she leaned into the gesture, comforted by the familiarity of his touch.
She looked at him then, her eyes meeting his with a quiet intensity. “I’m only strong because I know you’re with me.”
Loid's eyes darkened slightly, his expression unreadable for a moment. But then his hand moved to her chin, lifting her face so he could kiss her. It started slow, tender—like a secret only they knew. Yor responded, her body leaning up from the water just enough to deepen the kiss, her arms wrapping loosely around his neck.
When they parted, breathless, Loid’s forehead rested against hers. “I’ll always be with you,” he whispered, his voice rougher now, betraying the restraint he always kept in public. “No matter what.”
Yor’s heart raced, the weight of those words sinking in, making her feel safe, cherished. She slid her hands down to the front of his shirt, tugging gently. “Stay with me tonight,” she whispered, her eyes searching his.
Loid didn’t answer with words. Instead, he stood, his movements deliberate as he shed his jacket and loosened his tie. His gaze never left hers, the unspoken understanding between them thick in the air. Their eyes alone spoke volumes about the desire they felt for one another. Even though they were close to each other every day, the world around them continually kept them apart.
They had decided to keep their romance a secret, which had now lasted for nearly four years, to protect their privacy and ensure their safety. Yor had quickly gained popularity through her still young career in the past five years, and ended up developing an extremely huge and devoted fanbase, that she cherished a lot and was grateful for. But, this also meant she had to often face excessive protectiveness and intrusion at times from her fans.
Having Loid as her bodyguard made it easier to explain their closeness in various situations, whether at events or during everyday outings. Still, it was remarkable that no one had yet suspected her relationship with Loid. Perhaps the fans were too preoccupied with analyzing any video of her interacting with Wheeler, which ultimately worked to their advantage.
Yor bit her lip, watching as he undid the buttons of his shirt, her heart pounding faster with every piece of clothing that fell to the floor. The warmth of the room felt different now, heavier, more charged. She sank back into the water, letting it envelop her while her eyes remained locked on his.
Loid’s presence was commanding, though his expression remained tender, intimate. He knelt by the tub once more, his fingers brushing over her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
The water rippled as Yor reached out, pulling him closer until their lips met again—this time with more urgency, more heat. His hands moved to her waist, lifting her slightly out of the tub as the kiss deepened, both of them lost in each other. She pressed her breasts against him, and he pulled her even closer, determined to become one with her and utterly indifferent to the fact that she was drenching him.
The night stretched out before them, the city outside fading into the background as they allowed themselves to fall into their secret world. Here, there were no cameras, no rumors, no roles to play. Just the two of them, tangled in the quiet intimacy they had built over the years. And by the time the lights in the apartment dimmed, their whispered promises and shared moments filled the silence, hinting at the closeness that would follow.
She treasured every moment she had with Loid, whether it was in her dressing room, when they found themselves alone in one of his cars or the limousine, or during intimate moments like this one. She relished every second she could feel him against her skin, touch him without the fear of being observed, and allow him to do as he pleased with her. It was in these moments that she felt the most at peace, safe in the knowledge that no matter what the world believed, she had him.
He was her safe place, her support, her home, and the only person she could trust with her deeper secrets. He was everything she ever needed.
Yor’s breaths came soft and even against Loid’s chest, their bodies entwined as the quiet afterglow settled around them.
“Loid… I missed you so much..” She murmured in between passionate kisses.
“Ha, but I was by your side all day Yor” he teased, flashing her his most charming smirk.
“You know exactly what I mean…” she pouted slightly at his comment, though she couldn’t stay mad when he looked at her like that. He always had that effect on her.
“Yes, yes, I know, baby, it’s just as difficult for me to be so close yet so far from you at the same time. Do you have any idea how much I was looking forward to holding this beautiful butt in my hands?” he said, gripping her cheeks firmly.
“Loid!”
Yor’s breaths came soft and even against Loid’s chest, their bodies entwined as the quiet afterglow settled around them. He kissed her again, his soft lips taking their time to explore every inch of her mouth. Yor smiled in between their kisses, her fingers tracing light patterns across Loid’s skin. His warmth, the solid feel of him beneath her touch, grounded her in a way nothing else could. She savored each lingering kiss, each gentle brush of his lips against hers, as if memorizing every detail of their moment together.
Loid pulled back slightly, his breath warm against her cheek. “You’re smiling,” he murmured, his voice low and tender, as if the world outside their private sanctuary didn’t exist.
Yor chuckled softly, her gaze half-lidded as she looked up at him. “I just feel…happy,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “With you, everything feels right.”
Loid’s eyes softened as he ran a hand through her hair. “You deserve that, Yor. Every bit of it.”
For a moment, they simply lay there, wrapped in the quiet intimacy of their shared space. In this room, it was just them.
“I wish we could stay like this forever,” Yor whispered, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the collar of his shirt, which still lay discarded on the bed beside them.
Loid’s hand traced the curve of her back, his touch featherlight. “One day, we will,” he promised softly. “But for now…” His voice trailed off, and his gaze darkened slightly, the weight of their secret relationship pressing in.
Yor knew what he meant. She understood that their time together, as precious as it was, had to be carefully guarded, hidden from the world. Yet, in moments like these, none of that mattered. She pressed a kiss to his chest, her heart swelling with the quiet contentment she felt in his arms.
“I love you,” she whispered, the words slipping out effortlessly, as natural as breathing.
Loid’s hand stilled on her back for a moment before he tightened his hold on her, pulling her even closer. His lips brushed against her forehead as he whispered back, “I love you too, Yor. Always.”
Their bodies remained entwined, the night stretching on in quiet comfort as they lay together, sharing the kind of closeness that needed no words. And as the city lights flickered outside, Yor allowed herself to let go of the worries of tomorrow, content in the knowledge that, for tonight, she was exactly where she needed to be.
With him.
And that was all she needed.