ASLEEP? OR SIMPLY FAKING IT?
"Eeehhh? The little shrimpy is asleep?" Your body subtly tensed at the sound of Floyd's voice; unfortunately, you couldn't discern where he was in the room because his footsteps were irritatingly muffled. Taking a nap on the couch at the Mostro Lounge after a tiring part-time shift meant you were vulnerable to his shenanigans, and you could only rest your trust on the courtesy of any divine intervention if he didn't have anything too mischievous planned.
"Too bad I can't play with you." Well, too bad I don't want to play with you either! You thought, eyes closing firmly. There was a heavy weight on the couch you couldn't pinpoint. Was it his knee pressing down on the cushion next to your body? What the hell is he doing? You can feel cold sweat building up on your back as you try to subtly shift away from him, as if you were just adjusting your position for comfort.
Floyd, on the other hand, is towering downwards to your level and just casually staring at your 'sleeping' form. He was not doing anything suspicious yet. Just blankly hovering while his hand struggled to make its move, whether to touch you or not.
"You worked too hard, huh?" Floyd whispered. His genuine concern had your body tensed up even more, unsure of how to respond. You could feel the weight of his gaze on you, making your heart race with uncertainty. Then your body slightly flinched at the contact of his hand sweeping over your hair, carefully setting aside the stubborn strands that had fallen across your face. "Should've taken a break sooner," he murmured softly, comfortably placing his hand over your elbow and giving it a little squeeze. "I'll ask Azul to minimize your workload for the next few days."
With careful consideration, he lifted his weight off the couch, leaving you to process his unexpected kindness. His lanky hand ruffled your hair affectionately and spoke for the last time before he turned to leave the lounge. "I know you're awake, but I'll let you rest for now." Your heart spiked for getting caught red-handed pretending to be asleep, but you continued to play the act, keeping your eyes closed and your breathing steady until you heard him chuckle behind you. "Cute," he whispered, and then he walked away.
"Ah, our little troublemaker finally rested, huh?" The smoothness of Trey's voice disrupted your chance to sleep further, now fully awake and aware of his presence. Damn you, Trey! You were in the Heartslabyul living room, 'resting' on a two-seater crimson Victorian-style sofa after hours spent causing youthful mischief with the other two infamous troublemakers, Ace and Deuce. Because you were so worn out, you didn't retreat back to your assigned quarters, as your feet were too stubborn to carry you any further.
So now you're just lying there like a bad actor in a melodrama, pretending to be asleep… You felt the careful, deliberate footsteps approaching you until you could feel the weight of Trey's presence in front of you, which caused your body to tense up in anticipation of his next move. Knowing Trey, he can be a bit unpredictable despite keeping himself an open book to those who know him well. "It's a shame that you're asleep..." he whispered, now crouching down to your level and twirling a stray lock of your hair around his finger.
"Who's going to eat the donuts I prepared specifically for you, hmm?" he added, a sly smile playing on his lips as he watched you squirm at the sweet temptation that he was dangling in front of you. He brought the lock of hair to his lips, inhaling its scent before gently placing it back behind your ear. "Maybe I'll give it to Ace and Deuce, considering both of them are still in high spirits," he teased, gently rubbing your tensed arm in an up and down motion.
His chest rumbled with a low chuckle upon noticing your puckered forehead in disagreement, a possible indication that you don't want him to give the sweet treats to anyone else but you. "You're adorable," he said, his eyes through his glasses fondly gazing at you, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"I'll save them for you, don't worry," he reassured, his hand now resting on your shoulder in a comforting gesture. "After all, you're the only one who has the privilege to enjoy my baked goods without asking."
