Sana tried to hide the pain—
but it still showed on his face.
Alice noticed immediately.
Her expression tightened with worry.
Without thinking, she reached out, gripping his shoulder and gently pushing him back onto the bed.
Sana blinked in surprise.
But he didn't resist.
Her touch—
too close, too sudden—
made his heart race.
In the quiet room, the sound was unmistakable.
"You're still hurt…" she whispered. "You need to rest."
Sana looked away, a faint blush creeping across his face.
"…Yeah. But you need somewhere proper to rest too."
Alice froze.
Only then did she realize how close she was.
Too close.
Color rushed to her cheeks as she quickly pulled back.
"I-I'm fine… staying here is enough," she said softly.
"I'll just watch over you… don't worry about me… my hero."
Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
Sana couldn't ignore it.
His face grew even warmer.
"…You can stay here."
A pause.
"…Next to me."
Why did I say that…? That sounded so weird…
Alice's blush deepened.
"Are you sure…? What if I hurt you while I'm asleep?"
Sana took a slow breath, steadying himself.
"I just… don't want you to be uncomfortable."
He hesitated.
"It's cold tonight… so maybe…"
"…it'll be warmer."
Alice looked at him—then smiled, soft and knowing.
"…Then I'll accept that excuse."
She lay down beside him.
Close enough to feel his warmth.
Sana's heartbeat grew louder.
This doesn't feel real…
Why does the pain fade when she's here…?
Did I… already fall for her…?
Alice studied his face for a moment—
then gently touched his cheek.
Sana flinched, his breath catching.
Her hand slid down, resting lightly against his chest.
"Your heart is racing…" she murmured. "Are you nervous?"
But her fingers trembled.
Just a little.
Sana let out a quiet laugh and gently held her hand.
"You're nervous too."
Alice hid her face, flustered—
but she didn't pull away.
"…This is my first time," Sana said softly, "sleeping next to someone."
Alice peeked at him.
"…Me too."
Silence settled between them.
Awkward—
but warm.
Sana closed his eyes, trying to sleep.
But his thoughts refused to quiet down.
Beside him, Alice bit her lip.
Guilt crept in.
Carefully, she reached toward his wounds.
Sana knew—
but said nothing.
When her fingers brushed a deeper injury—
he winced.
Alice immediately pulled back.
"I'm sorry—"
Her voice broke.
Tears welled up again.
Sana gently took her hand.
"I told you… it's not your fault."
His voice was quiet.
"I chose this."
Her fingers trembled—
but his warmth steadied them.
"…Your hand is so warm…"
She pressed it softly against her cheek.
Sana smiled faintly and brushed her hair back.
"You're like a crying kid, Alice."
Tears still clung to her lashes—
but she smiled.
"You're the only one who gets to see me like this…"
Sana wiped away the last of her tears.
"My hero…" she whispered. "You make me feel… weak."
Sana let out a soft breath.
"Then your hero commands you…"
He paused, a small smile forming.
"…go to sleep."
Alice hid her face again, flustered.
"…Yes, my precious hero."
Exhaustion finally caught up to him.
Slowly—
Sana drifted off.
Alice stayed there, watching him.
Her gaze softened.
"Sleep well… my hero…"
Her voice was barely more than a breath.
"You make me feel safe…"
A small smile lingered on her lips—
as her eyes slowly closed.
Still holding his hand.