Seeing him still holding her note, Ashi felt her cheeks warm.

She turned away quickly, embarrassed by her own reaction.

She didn’t wake him.

Instead, she took out a small piece of paper and wrote something else.

Just a few words.

She placed it on the table beside the food she had brought.

Then she quietly left.

Back in her room, she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Her thoughts wouldn’t slow down.

The way Haruv stepped in front of her.
The way he stood like a shield.
The way he held her note even while sleeping.

Her heart felt strangely full.

And somewhere between those thoughts… she fell asleep.

Morning light spilled into Haruv’s room.

It was 9 a.m.

Haruv stirred, eyes slowly opening.

His head felt lighter.
His body calmer.

He lifted his hand.

The paper was still there.

Ashi.

He read her name silently.

Letting it echo inside his thoughts.

He sat up properly and noticed the food on the table… and another note.

He picked it up.

Thank you for protecting me.

A quiet breath left him.

Almost a scoff.

Not mocking.
Not annoyed.

Just… something close to a smile.