Morning Afterglow

Sunlight poured in, warming the sheets tangled around their bodies. Yeji blinked awake first, sore in a way that made her cheeks burn. Behind her, Ryujin shifted closer, still half-asleep, draping an arm across Yeji’s waist. “Mmm… good morning, trouble,” Ryujin murmured against her skin, her voice husky from sleep. Yeji groaned softly, trying to move away from Ryujin's warm breath, but Ryujin's arm tightened around her. “I’m never letting you take control again,” Yeji said, her voice laced with a mix of laughter and exasperation. Ryujin laughed, her voice still husky from sleep. “You say that every time,” she replied, her lips brushing against Yeji's skin. They lay there for a few more minutes, tangled and quiet, the only sound the gentle hum of the air conditioner and the soft rise and fall of their chests. The warmth of the sunlight streaming through the window seemed to seep into their skin, easing the tension in their bodies. Until Yeji suddenly sat up, her eyes scanning the room. “Wait—what time is it? We have to meet the others,” Yeji asked, her voice laced with panic. Ryujin rolled over, burying her face in a pillow. “Tell them we overslept. It’s believable,” she replied, her voice muffled by the pillow. Yeji was already on her feet, tugging on one of Ryujin’s shirts as she limped toward the bathroom. The fabric was soft against her skin, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of vulnerability. “Nope. Shower. Now. We are not showing up looking like… this,” Yeji said, her voice firm. Ryujin just grinned, watching her walk. The sunlight highlighted Yeji's curves, making her look even more beautiful. “You’re the one who said ‘harder,’ babe,” Ryujin teased, her voice husky with amusement. Yeji slammed the door shut with a laugh, the sound echoing through the room. Ryujin chuckled to herself, still lying in bed. She knew that Yeji was trying to play it cool, but she could sense the excitement and nervousness beneath the surface. By the time they were both dressed — Ryujin in a fitted tee, Yeji in a cropped hoodie, both looking suspiciously well-rested — Ryujin pulled Yeji in for a quick kiss before they stepped out of the room. “No acting weird,” Yeji warned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Ryujin smirked, already grabbing her phone. “Only if you don’t blush when you see the others,” she replied, her voice laced with teasing. Yeji's cheeks flushed with a light pink hue as she playfully rolled her eyes. “Shut up,” she said, her voice husky with laughter. As they walked out of the room, Ryujin knew that the day had just begun, and she was excited to see what it had in store for them.