Sleeping Together
“F-Florence-san!? What are you…”
Just when I was about to raise my voice,
Florence-san placed her index finger over her lips and spoke.
“It is already late, so I believe it would be better not to speak too loudly, Lux-sama.”
“…You are right, I am sorry. You startled me…”
“No, I am the one who should apologize for surprising Lux-sama by coming so suddenly.”
Since leaving the door open and talking like this was not an option, I invited Florence-san into the room.
After we sat facing each other on the sofa, I asked her,
“Florence-san… why did you come to my room at this hour?”
When I asked again the simple question I had missed earlier, Florence-san looked into my eyes and said,
“The person I love is under the same roof as me and close enough that I can meet him if I wish to. Is that not a sufficient reason for me to visit you, Lux-sama?”
“Ah… n-no, that is not what I meant…”
When I thought about the feelings Florence-san held for me, it was natural that she would do something like this. Even so, no matter how many times I heard her call me the one she loves, I could not help but feel embarrassed.
As I was thinking that in the dimly lit room, Florence-san asked me a question.
“Lux-sama, what were you doing before I came to this room?”
“I was reading.”
“I see. In that case, there is a book on the shelf in this room that I had been wanting to read as well, so shall we read together?”
“E-even though you came all this way, are you sure that is enough?”
“Yes. As long as I can spend time with you, Lux-sama, that alone makes me happy.”
Florence-san said this with a gentle and soft smile.
Even in the dim light, I felt warmth from the expression clearly visible on her face. Since that was how she felt, I accepted her suggestion and the two of us quietly began reading.
“…”
“…”
Reading was enjoyable and I wanted to keep going, but time always passed faster than usual when I read, and before I knew it, I had become so sleepy that I rubbed my eyes without thinking.
“It seems sleepiness has come for you.”
“Yes, I am sorry… this is about the time I would normally be sleeping…”
“I see. Then, so you do not strain your body, I recommend that you rest for the night.”
“I will.”
Even though I was sleepy, I placed a bookmark on the page I had been reading out of habit and set the book down on the table.
“Florence-san, I will walk you out.”
I could not just ignore Florence-san and go straight to sleep, so I stood up and said that. However, Florence-san spoke.
“No. Since this is a special occasion, I would like to stay by your side until you fall asleep, Lux-sama.”
“…All right. I felt a little uncertain about whether I could fall asleep in an unfamiliar place, but if you are staying by my side, Florence-san, I think I can rest peacefully.”
“Ah…!”
After I spoke my honest thoughts, I struggled to keep my heavy eyelids open as I walked toward the bed.
Once I reached the bed, I immediately got under the covers and lay down.
Florence-san came to stand beside the bed where I was lying.
“Florence-san… thank you for today. A lot happened, but this sleepover was really fun.”
“Lux-sama…”
Whispering my name, Florence-san sat down on the bed next to where I was lying.
Then she continued.
“You told me that you feel safe when I am by your side… in that case…”
As she said that, Florence-san slipped under the same covers and lay down beside me.
“If I do this, will it not make you feel even more at ease?”
“Eh…? B-but, this is…”
As I stared at Florence-san’s face right in front of me, feeling overwhelmed, she wrapped her arms around me and spoke.
“It is all right. Lux-sama, I am always by your side, so for now, please think only about falling asleep.”
“…”
I felt as though there were many things I should think about, but at this moment, all I could feel was the sleepiness and the sense of peace that came from Florence-san holding me close. With that warmth, I quietly drifted into sleep.
“Lux-sama, I love you. I will surely protect you and bring you happiness, Lux-sama…”