Morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains as Ren stepped into his private dining room, still drying his damp hair with a towel. He wore a loose white robe over his nightwear, cheeks flushed from the steamy bathroom "incident" not too long ago. The scent of fresh pastries and tea lingered in the air. But of course, the real scent that had followed him was Shinomi.
"Didn't I say go back to your quarters?" Ren sighed with a half-hearted glare.
Shinomi, already seated cross-legged on a cushion at the low breakfast table, popped a grape into his mouth. "You said should leave, not must. That's not a royal order."
He looked far too pleased with himself, his robe half open like he belonged in the room. Ren narrowed his eyes. "You're going to get me in trouble."
Shinomi patted the seat beside him. "Then hurry and sit. The longer you stand, the more I'll think you like me admiring you."
Ren flushed and dropped onto the cushion with a huff. He reached for the bread roll but Shinomi grabbed it first.
"Say 'ahh~,'" Shinomi grinned, holding it up.
Ren stared at him, deadpan. "I have hands."
"And I have zero shame," Shinomi chirped, still holding the roll out like he was feeding a child. "Come on, don't make me beg."
With a defeated sigh, Ren leaned forward and bit into the bread—only for Shinomi to lean forward too and take a bite from the same piece. Their noses bumped, and Ren's face turned bright red.
"You–! That's not how feeding works!"
"Sure it is. It's couple's etiquette," Shinomi replied, chewing casually. "You're my wifey, remember?"
Ren sputtered on his tea, coughing violently. "Stop saying that! Someone might hear!"
Shinomi leaned closer. "You didn't deny being mine though."
Ren threw a napkin at him. Shinomi caught it with one hand and used it to dab the corner of Ren's lips gently. His voice dropped a little. "You've got jam here…"
Ren froze as Shinomi's thumb brushed the corner of his mouth, eyes lingering too long, his touch too soft. It wasn't teasing anymore. It was gentle. Affectionate.
"I…" Ren opened his mouth, but Shinomi cut him off.
"Eat before everything gets cold. Or I'll feed you again. With my mouth next time."
Ren shoved a spoon into Shinomi's hand in warning, trying to cover up the way his heart was racing. "Try it and I'll stab you."
"I'd die happy."
They continued eating—sharing bites, bickering over who got the last strawberry tart, and laughing when Shinomi accidentally dropped sugar into Ren's tea three times in a row. The whole room felt light, warm, like they'd built a little world of their own inside this palace.
And when breakfast was done, Shinomi stood, stretched, and leaned over to press a soft kiss to Ren's forehead.
"Same time tomorrow?" he whispered.
Ren rolled his eyes—but he smiled. "Only if you bring pastries again."
Shinomi winked. "I'll bring the whole bakery if it makes you smile like that."
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