Sunlight sneaked through the gaps in the bat-patterned curtains, casting a warm spot of light onto Vic's face.
Vic's eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes groggily.
Memories of last night rushed back like a tidal wave—
The Ludo war, that earth-shattering pact to be "together forever," and finally... those two distinct kisses.
A warm current, mixing excitement, satisfaction, and a pinch of unreality, instantly washed through his body, waking him up completely.
He moved subconsciously and immediately felt the distinct touches and weights pressing against both sides of his body.
Vic, cautious as an antique appraiser, slowly turned his neck, inch by inch. He looked to the left first—
Enid, his little wolf, was clinging to him like a small animal seeking warmth. Her whole body was practically plastered onto him, one leg unceremoniously thrown across his waist.
Her arms were wrapped tightly around his chest, her fuzzy head buried deep in the crook of his neck. Her warm breath sprayed evenly onto his skin, tickling him rhythmically.
Her eyes were shut tight, long eyelashes casting faint shadows on her fair cheeks like tiny fans. She was sleeping so soundly and devotedly, as if Vic were her exclusive, giant body pillow.
"Heh..." Vic grinned silently, bubbles of happiness popping in his chest.
He gently moved his left arm, which had gone slightly numb from the weight, earning a dissatisfied mumble from Enid as she hugged him even tighter.
Next, Vic held his breath. With near-religious curiosity, he slowly turned to the right—
Wednesday, his Dark Queen, was sleeping in her signature pose—hands crossed over her chest, body straight as a board, exactly like a medieval vampire aristocrat in a coffin.
But unlike usual, her entire cold body was pressed tightly against his right side.
Her pale, smooth forehead rested lightly against his shoulder, a few strands of ink-black hair scattered across the fabric of his shirt.
Her breathing was shallow, her face expressionless. She looked like an exquisite, fragile porcelain doll. Yet, in this unconscious snuggle, she revealed a rare, total dependence.
Vic's heart skipped a beat.
He could clearly feel Wednesday's cool body temperature through her thin pajamas, forming a wondrous "Fire and Ice" contrast with Enid's blazing hug on the left.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Look at this harem setup... Vic, did you drug them last night or something?"
Venom's raspy voice, thick with teasing, rang in Vic's mind. A few black tentacles poked out curiously, wiggling on his shoulder.
Last night, for the sake of his brother's happiness, Venom had voluntarily cut off the visual feed.
"Shut up! You're just jealous!" Vic retorted smugly in his mind. "This is called charisma! Do you understand?"
He tried hard to maintain this "sweet burden" posture, not daring to move a muscle for fear of disturbing his girlfriends' dreams.
Even though the numbness in his left arm and the chill on his right side constantly reminded him of reality, his face was plastered with a huge, almost goofy smile of satisfaction.
The sunlight grew brighter, dust motes dancing in the beams.
Vic looked at the ceiling, listening to the steady breathing and heartbeats of the two girls beside him. The pact of "forever" from yesterday burned hot in his heart again.
He quietly tightened his arms, holding them closer and more carefully.
Just then—
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A brisk, slightly urgent knocking broke the morning silence. Mavis's laughing voice came from outside the door:
"Vic? Little sleepyheads? Wakey-wakey! Breakfast is ready! We have special chocolate bat pancakes today!"
The knocking and Mavis's voice were like stones thrown into a calm lake.
"Mmm..."
Enid on the left was the first to stir.
Like a disturbed kitten, she nuzzled Vic's neck dissatisfiedly, letting out a fuzzy mumble. Instead of waking up, she hugged Vic's arm even tighter.
On the right, Wednesday's long, thick eyelashes trembled violently a few times before her eyes snapped open!
At first, her gaze held the confusion of waking up and a trace of sharp vigilance.
But when she quickly realized she was pressed tightly against Vic, her forehead even resting on his shoulder, the sharpness was instantly replaced by extreme shock and a flash of panic.
Her body visibly stiffened for a second. Then, as if electrocuted, she jerked backward, rapidly putting distance between herself and Vic, restoring her icy, "do not approach" aura.
However, a faint blush spread across her pale cheeks at a speed visible to the naked eye, reaching all the way to the tips of her ears. Her eyes darted around unnaturally, trying to hide her loss of composure.
Vic took in Wednesday's swift, adorable reaction and blossomed with joy inside. But on the surface, he tried to look like he had just been woken up, yawning and mumbling:
"Mmm... Mavis... got it... getting up..."
As he spoke, he deliberately used his free right hand to rub his eyes, and then smoothly...
Very "naturally" rested it on the back of Wednesday's hand, which she had just pulled away but was still within his reach.
Wednesday's hand trembled slightly, but she didn't shake him off immediately. She just pressed her lips together tightly, the blush on her ears seemingly deepening a shade.
"Vic! Let go! I need to wash up!"
She lowered her voice, trying to command him with an icy tone, but the slight tremor betrayed her.
"Five more minutes..."
Vic tightened his fingers around her cool hand like a rogue. He blinked his sleepy peach-blossom eyes—still misty from slumber—at Wednesday, his tone bordering on whining.
"You!"
Wednesday was rendered speechless by his shameless behavior. She glared at him, but with Enid just waking up and Mavis right outside, she couldn't make a big move.
On the other side, Enid seemed thoroughly woken by the commotion.
She lifted her head groggily, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She looked at Vic, then at the blushing, evasive Wednesday. Her blue eyes filled with curiosity:
"Mmm... what are you guys arguing about... Vic, isn't your arm... numb?"
Vic looked at the adorably confused little wolf on his left, and the dark queen feigning calmness but blushing charmingly on his right. He felt the coolness in his palm and the warmth beside him.
Life didn't get better than this.
He grinned, flashing a brilliant smile, and shouted toward the door:
"Mavis! We'll be right there! I want a double serving of pancakes today!"