Asano Kiyoshi, covered in clammy sweat, rubbed his eyes and let out a long breath.
A knock sounded, followed by Nel's voice from outside the office.
"Little Kiyoshi, may I come in?"
Asano Kiyoshi went over and opened the door, then said to Nel with a smile,
"Nel, you don't need to knock when you're coming in."
Nel smiled first, then straightened Asano Kiyoshi's slightly rumpled sleeve. Seeing the sweat still lingering on his forehead, she instinctively glanced at the burning fireplace and asked,
"Why are you sweating so much? Did I put too much firewood in the fireplace?"
Looking at Nel before him, Asano Kiyoshi instinctively reached out and stroked her long, silky lake-green hair. He said gently,
"That's not the reason. I just had a nightmare. A very, very terrible nightmare."
Feeling the warmth of Asano Kiyoshi's hand, Nel was a little shy, but she still gently wrapped her arms around his waist and asked softly,
"What did you dream about?"
Asano Kiyoshi shook his head, holding Nel as he spoke quietly.
"It wasn't a very interesting dream. Let's not talk about it..."
"Mm... it's okay. If you're scared, you can... um, keep holding me like this."
By the end, Nel's face was so red it seemed ready to drip blood. Her voice was barely louder than a mosquito's buzz, yet the faint orchid fragrance from her breath brought wave after wave of peace to Asano Kiyoshi.
The night was quiet. Firelight from the fireplace shone upon the two of them, weaving their shadows into a single patch of deep ink.
They held each other tightly, feeling each other's warmth, heartbeats, and scent.
Strands of hair brushed past his nose, bringing an itch.
Breath caressed his earlobe, bringing heat.
At this moment, this was where their hearts belonged.