Page 19 of Johan.

I wake up with a start,the morning light streaming through the curtains. Feeling a warm presence beside me, I turn my head to find Hannah sleeping peacefully. Shock courses through me as I realize she’s here, in my bed. I must have been more exhausted than I thought not to have noticed her staying in last night.

Hannah stirs, blinking awake with a sleepy smile. “Good morning,” she murmurs, her voice husky from sleep.

“Good morning,” I reply, still processing the surprise. “Slept well?”

“Very much so,” she says, stretching languidly. “And you?”

“Not too bad.”

“I know.” Hannah fixes me with her gaze and then just smiles. “You looked so peaceful.”

My eyes widen. “Oh, so you watched me sleeping, huh?”

She laughs softly, the sound like music to my ears. “Maybe a little.”

I feel my face heat up. “Well, that’s a first.”

She moves closer, her head resting on my chest. “You’re adorable when you blush, you know that?”

I chuckle, wrapping an arm around her. “I think you might be biased.”

She lifts her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Maybe just a little.”

We lie there for a moment, enjoying the quiet intimacy. Her fingers trace lazy patterns on my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

“Do you remember anything from last night?” she asks suddenly, her tone playful.

“Uh, not really. I think I was pretty drunk,” I admit. “Should I be worried?”

Her laughter is soft and infectious. “Not at all. You were just... very affectionate.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Oh, really? How affectionate?”

Hannah bites her lip, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “Well…” she trails off, the slowness torturing me. “Let’s just say you were very generous with the compliments.”

I groan, covering my face with my hands. “Please tell me I wasn’t too embarrassing.”

She pulls my hands away, her touch gentle. “You were perfect. I like seeing that side of you.”

I look into her eyes, feeling a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the morning sun. “I’m glad you stayed.”

“Me too,” she whispers, leaning in to kiss me softly.

As our lips meet, I realize that this is what happiness feels like. Pure, simple, and utterly perfect.

I pull back slightly, gazing at her in awe. “You know, I’m really impressed by how direct you are. It’s... refreshing.”

Hannah smiles, her eyes twinkling with sincerity. “I just believe in saying what I feel. Life’s too short to play games.”

I nod, absorbing her words. “I appreciate that. And I appreciate you noticing the little things about me.”

She brushes a strand of hair from my forehead, her touch tender. “It’s the little things that matter most. Like how you always tap your fingers when you’re thinking, or the way your eyes light up when you talk about anything related to Ubar.”

Her attention to detail takes my breath away. “You really notice all that?”

“Of course,” she says softly. “It’s what makes you, you.”

I tighten my embrace, feeling a deep sense of contentment. “You make me feel seen, Hannah. Really seen.”

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