Yuki’s dorm smelled like strawberries and vanilla and something sweetly floral that Kai couldn’t place. The second she opened the door, it hit him—soft, feminine, intoxicating. The room looked like her: warm light from fairy bulbs strung across the wall, plush pastel pillows thrown across her bed, and framed selfies taped just above her desk, her laughter frozen in time.

She stepped inside first, cheeks flushed from the party—alcohol maybe, or maybe just him. Her dress clung to her in a way he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about all night. She moved toward him with a little sway in her hips, her heels clicking quietly on the floor.

“Let’s go to my dorm,” she’d said earlier with a smile so soft it melted the edges of his thoughts. And now, here they were.

She shut the door behind them with a gentle click.

Kai hesitated near the entrance, every muscle in his body buzzing, his jaw tight like he was trying to swallow thunder.

“You okay?” she asked, eyes shimmering under the golden light.

He nodded. “Yeah. Just—your room’s cute.”

She laughed. “You’re nervous.”

“No, I’m—okay, maybe a little.”

She stepped closer, barefoot now, her heels kicked off by the door. Her bare skin looked like porcelain against the glow of the room. She reached for his face, her fingertips brushing his jaw with a touch so light it made his breath catch.

Then she kissed him.

Not like at the party. This one was slower. Intimate. Like she needed to remember how his lips felt. How her body settled so perfectly against his.

When they pulled apart, she bit her bottom lip and whispered with a teasing edge, “Can I see them?”

He blinked. “See what?”

She grinned. “Your abs. Take your shirt off.”

He let out a short laugh, raking a hand through his hair. “You’re not shy anymore, huh?”

“Maybe I was never that shy.”

Her voice was playful, but something deeper flickered in her eyes. She wanted him to see her. Not just her body, but her confidence. Her power. Her desire.

She sat down gently on his lap, her thighs straddling him, her arms draped around his shoulders. The hem of her dress hiked up, riding high on her thighs. Kai’s eyes flicked downward for a heartbeat before he looked away, heat rising up his neck.

“You keep looking,” she whispered, voice like velvet.

“Yeah, well… it’s hard not to.”

She stood up again, slowly, walking to the other side of the room like a cat in silk. She bent down to grab a charger from the outlet—and Kai’s breath hitched. The lace edge of her panties peeked out beneath her dress, and they were clearly damp. She said nothing. Let the silence thicken.

She walked back, climbing onto his lap again, eyes locked on his.

“So, Kai…” Her voice was almost a purr. “What do you wanna do?”

His throat tightened. He wasn’t sure if this was the alcohol talking or something real and terrifyingly beautiful.

“Yuki…” he said cautiously, searching her expression. “Are you sure?”

She cupped his face. Her hands were impossibly soft. Her expression was clear. Sincere.

“I’m tipsy,” she admitted. “But not drunk. I know what I want. And I want you to kiss me.”

Then her lips brushed his jaw, light as feathers. She kissed her way slowly toward his ear.

“And…” she whispered, “if you want… you can touch them. They’re soft. Trust me.”

She took his hand and guided it up. His heart slammed against his ribs. Her warmth, her breath, the shape of her under his palm—it was overwhelming. She made a squishing motion with his hand, teasing, a glint of wicked delight in her eyes. Then she pulled down one strap of her dress, offering more skin.

He kissed her shoulder. She gasped softly, fingers tangling in his hair.

His hand slid lower, guided by hers—past her waist, the soft dip of her stomach, down to the hem of her dress. Her panties were wet, and her breath hitched as his fingers brushed the lace.

Then her hand moved too—trailing down his chest, fingers tracing the lines of his abs, lower, down to his pants. She paused. Smiled. Then touched him through the fabric. He let out a choked breath.

“Fuck,” he muttered.

She giggled, lips brushing his neck. “You like that?”

“You’re beautiful, Yuki,” he said, voice rough. “But I want to remember this. I want you to, too.”

She blinked, surprised—her cheeks blooming pink.

Then she kissed his chest, slow and reverent.

“I will remember,” she murmured. “I could never forget a handsome face like yours.”

He chuckled softly. “So you think my face is handsome?”

She licked her lips. “I think your whole fucking existence is dangerous.”

And then the world fell away.

***

They lay tangled in Yuki’s bed, under a cascade of cream-colored blankets and pillows that smelled like her. The window glowed faintly with the promise of dawn. Her head rested on his shoulder, one hand sprawled across his bare chest, her breathing slow.

Kai stared at the ceiling, one arm wrapped tightly around her.

She shifted slightly, nuzzling closer.

“You’re a handsome view in the morning…” she whispered, half-asleep.

He didn’t say anything. Just pulled her tighter, like he never wanted to let go.

Outside, the world began again.

Inside, it paused.