At exactly three in the morning, Mina jolted awake, her heart racing. Panic washed over her as the remnants of a nightmare clung to her thoughts—an eerie replay of Ryan’s death, but this time, it was Leo lying there instead. 
Breathing heavily, she clutched the sheets, desperately trying to shake off the haunting images. The mere thought of Leo in that position struck a deep chord within her. 
Unable to stay still, Mina glanced at the connecting door, feeling a wave of urgency wash over her. After a moment’s hesitation, she slipped out of bed and knocked softly, uncertain whether he could hear her.
When no response came, her concern overwhelmed her hesitation. She slowly opened the door and stepped into Leo’s room, wanting to make sure he was okay.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of him fast asleep, shirtless, with the faint glow of moonlight casting soft shadows across his features. He looked peaceful, his usual guarded expression replaced by something softer and more serene. 
Mina couldn’t help but stare, captivated by how different he seemed in this vulnerable state. Her gaze drifted to his strong chest, rising and falling steadily with each breath, and she caught herself imagining what it might feel like to rest her head there. 
Quickly shaking off the thought, her cheeks flushed. What was she thinking?
Leaning in closer, Mina studied Leo’s face intently as she listened to his steady breathing. Relief washed over her as she confirmed he was, indeed, alive. She sighed softly and retreated toward the connecting door, trying to mask her panic.
Just as she turned to leave, Leo’s eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times, a sleepy smile creeping onto his lips. “Couldn’t sleep, Miss ‘Pure Young Lady’?”
Mina yelped at the suddenness of his voice, her shoulders jerking as she spun back around, clutching her chest in shock. 
“L-Leo! You scared me!” she stammered, cheeks burning as she tried to regain her composure.
Leo chuckled, his voice still husky from sleep. “Didn’t expect to wake up with you standing over me. It’s a little unsettling.” He smirked, his gaze flicking between her startled expression and the connecting door she’d just crept through.
Mina glared, trying to save face. “I wasn’t hovering! I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” She crossed her arms defensively.
“Uh-huh,” Leo replied, clearly amused. “Well, I’m fine. But you might give me a heart attack if you keep staring at me like that.”
Mina’s cheeks burned, and she looked away, mumbling, “Well… goodnight then. Try not to give me a heart attack next time, please.”
Leo chuckled, stretching as he sat up. “I’m flattered that you’re so worried about me. Want to stay for a bit?”
Caught off guard, Mina hesitated, glancing away. “No! I mean… I should go.”
But before she could flee, Leo took her hand, guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed. “Relax. You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”
Mina averted her gaze, acutely aware of the warmth radiating from him. “It’s nothing… I just had a bad dream.”
Leo’s expression softened. “Do you want to talk about it?”
She shook her head, feeling too embarrassed. “It’s silly, really…”
“Hey, if it got you wandering into my room at this hour, it can’t be that silly.” His tone was playful, but his gaze was warm.
Finally, she managed a smile, her heart calming down. “Fine. Just… stay alive, okay?”
Leo raised an eyebrow, slightly teasing as he asked, “What’s wrong, Miss Early Bird?”
Mina feigned innocence, fidgeting. “I’m just too excited. You promised we’d go see the Eiffel Tower, remember?”
He sighed, giving her an exasperated look. “It’s still the crack of dawn, Mina. I’d like a few more hours of sleep.”
Mina pouted but relented, heading back to her room. Once inside, she noticed the giant flat-screen TV, practically the size of a movie theater screen. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she grabbed the remote and turned it on, cranking up the volume to a level that could probably wake the entire floor.
Leo groaned, stuffing a pillow over his head to drown out the noise. When that didn’t work, he opted for earplugs, grumbling to himself as he tried to ignore the booming sounds.
Meanwhile, Mina happily flicked through channels, laughter spilling from her as she entertained herself, fully aware she was testing Leo’s patience.
After a few moments, Leo couldn’t take it anymore. He got out of bed, groggy but determined to confront her antics. As he entered the living area, he found Mina asleep on the sofa, her hair sprawled across the cushions.
“Look at this,” he murmured to himself, shaking his head with a chuckle. “What a handful.” 
He figured it was time to get her to bed properly and reclaim some peace. As he scooped her up in his arms, Mina stirred. 
“Why do you love carrying me so much?” she mumbled sleepily, eyes still closed.
Startled by her sudden awareness, Leo instinctively dropped her back onto the sofa. “Whoa!” he exclaimed, watching her fall with surprise.
Mina rubbed her back, looking up at him with a mix of annoyance and amusement. “Do you have to be so clumsy, Leo?” she shot back, her voice laced with mock irritation.
Leo crossed his arms, trying to maintain a serious demeanor. “I didn’t mean to drop you! You startled me!” He couldn’t suppress a grin, especially at the sight of her tousled hair and sleepy face.
She rolled her eyes, but a smile crept onto her lips. “Well, you could be a little more graceful about it. Maybe treat me like I’m made of porcelain?”
“Porcelain? You’re more like a stubborn little bean bag—heavy, but cuddly,” Leo quipped, leaning against the doorframe.
“Cuddly, huh? I’ll take that as a compliment,” Mina said, propping herself up on her elbows. “Now, are you going to pick me up properly this time or just stand there admiring your handiwork?”
Leo chuckled, shaking his head at her unexpected comment. “Excuse me, Miss Porcelain, may I carry you to your royal bed?” he said dramatically, bowing slightly as if addressing royalty.
Mina giggled, the earlier tension evaporating. “No, no, I can walk myself!”
*