A soft golden glow poured through the dorm windows as the sun slowly rose, casting long, warm streaks of light across the lounge. The dorm was quiet—it was still early on a free day, and most of Class VII remained in their rooms.
Fie padded downstairs, her movements slow and lazy. Her silver hair was a mess, and her eyelids were heavy with sleep. She wasn't really thinking—her mind was still caught somewhere between a dream and reality.
When she reached the lounge, she paused, blinking drowsily at the sight before her. Laura was standing by the fireplace, her back to the stairs. She was gazing out the window, lost in thought, her long blue hair flowing like a waterfall down her back.
Fie didn't say a word. Instead, as if moving on instinct, she shuffled toward Laura, reaching out to lightly grasp her hand.
"Fie?" Laura's deep, calm voice broke the silence, tinged with surprise. She turned slightly, glancing down at Fie's smaller hand wrapped around hers.
Fie didn't respond. She just gave Laura's hand a gentle tug, her movements slow and deliberate, like she was still half-asleep. Laura hesitated for a moment, unsure what Fie was doing, but the smaller girl's grip was firm enough to be clear: Come with me.
Laura allowed herself to be guided, her curiosity outweighing her questions. Fie led her over to the couch, never letting go of her hand. Without saying anything, Fie sat down, pulling Laura along until she followed suit.
Once Laura was seated, Fie slid closer, leaning heavily against her. She tucked herself against Laura's side and rested her head on her shoulder, her breathing already slowing as her eyelids drooped shut.
Laura blinked, caught completely off guard. "Fie?"
There was no response except a faint mumble.
Laura glanced around the room, as though someone else might offer an explanation. But the dorm was still quiet, and Fie was already dozing off, her head nestled against Laura's shoulder.
Laura relaxed slightly, the corners of her lips quirking upward in a small, amused smile. She stayed still, careful not to disturb Fie's peaceful slumber. She couldn't help but find the whole situation oddly endearing. Fie was rarely this unguarded, and Laura felt a quiet sense of trust in being the one Fie had turned to—even unconsciously.
Fie's soft breathing filled the silence, and Laura allowed herself to lean back into the couch, letting the moment settle.
About fifteen minutes later, Fie stirred, letting out a small yawn as she blinked her eyes open. She rubbed at her face groggily, slowly becoming aware of the warm, steady presence beside her.
Her eyes widened.
Laura was sitting there, perfectly composed, with Fie leaning right up against her like a contented cat.
"What the—?" Fie bolted upright, her face heating up in an instant. "What's going on?!"
Laura turned to her, calm as ever. "Good morning, Fie."
Fie blinked, her cheeks going from pink to crimson. "Why are you—? Wait, what did I—?" She racked her brain, trying to remember how she'd ended up in this position, but it was all a blur.
"You came downstairs and guided me to the couch," Laura explained, her tone gentle. "Then you sat down and, well, fell asleep."
Fie buried her face in her hands, groaning. "Oh, no. I did that?"
Laura chuckled softly. "You did."
"I don't even remember!" Fie peeked out between her fingers, her voice muffled. "I—I didn't, like, say anything weird, did I?"
"No," Laura said with a small smile. "You were quiet. Very insistent, but quiet."
Fie groaned again, slumping back into the couch. "Great. I'm never gonna live this down."
Laura's expression softened, and she reached out, resting a hand lightly on Fie's shoulder. "There's no need to be embarrassed. I didn't mind."
Fie blinked, glancing up at her. "You didn't?"
"Not at all," Laura said, her tone warm. "It was nice, actually."
Fie stared at her, unsure what to say. For all her casual confidence, moments like this always threw her off balance. "Well… thanks for not, uh, pushing me off or anything."
Laura's lips twitched upward again. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Fie hesitated, her gaze flicking away. "I guess I owe you one, huh?"
Laura shook her head. "No. Not at all."
Fie blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in her tone. She felt her cheeks heat up again but managed a faint smile. "I don't normally do that…probably."
Laura replied with a soft chuckle.