The Girl Beside Him
The corridor hummed gently with soft conversation and laughter as the five girls headed towards Leon's room. Morning light poured through the high windows, raining golden spots on the marble floor as the sound of their footsteps was light.
"He's probably still snoring," Aria said with a playful grin.
"Let's see who he dreams about first," Rias said with a wicked glint in her eye.
Cynthia giggled. "Hopefully not himself.
Syra, ever the graceful one, reached the door first. "Ladies," she said with mock formality, placing a hand over her heart, "allow me the honor."
They all rolled their eyes affectionately.
With a light grip, she turned the handle. The latch clicked with a soft thud, and the heavy wooden door swung open.
Smiles continued to dance on their lips as they entered, looking forward to seeing their beloved Leon wrapped in bed sheets, likely still half-asleep and complaining about mornings.
But the instant their eyes met the bed… time stood still.
