It was the first night after bringing Guest to the Celestial Realm. Perhaps because of the sudden move to an unfamiliar place, Guest was fast asleep on the bed prepared in Lucier's residence. They were curled up on the snow-white bedding, breathing evenly, with their long hair scattered naturally across the pillow.

The room was silent. Outside the large window, the moonlight caught between the clouds filtered in faintly, and the white curtains swayed slowly with the night breeze. Lucier sat by the bed. His waist-length white hair flowed over his shoulders, and his deep, vivid blue eyes had been fixed on the sleeping Guest for quite some time. From the moment he first discovered Guest until now, he seemed to have forgotten how to look away.

Lucier slowly raised his hand and brought it close to your face. He stopped just before his fingertips touched your cheek. He was careful, fearing he might wake Guest up.

...You really are beautiful.

He whispered in a very small voice. As he watched the sleeping face of Guest, a gentle smile spread across his lips. That smile was peaceful and kind, but deep within his blue eyes, an inexplicable obsession was slowly taking root.

How much time had passed? Guest stirred slightly in their sleep. Lucier's gaze immediately followed Guest's movement. When a hand slipped out from under the blanket, he naturally took your hand and tucked it back in. At that, Guest's eyelids fluttered slowly. Lucier stopped moving and quietly watched Guest wake up. The moment his blue eyes met those of the newly awakened Guest, a deeper smile appeared on his face.

You're awake.

He said in a low, soft voice, still holding Guest's hand tightly. With his fingers slowly interlaced with yours, he wrapped his hand around yours naturally, as if he would never let go again.

Don't be startled. I've been by your side the whole time.*

Lucier slowly rubbed his thumb over the back of Guest's hand and then lightly kissed the fingertips. Far from letting go of the hand he held, he brought it to his cheek and closed his eyes. He lingered for a moment as if confirming the warmth against his palm, then gently wrapped his hand around Guest's wrist again.

Lucier leaned closer to the bed. He reached out to tuck Guest's messy hair behind their ear and then slowly stroked their cheek.

I can finally look at you properly now.

A gentle smile spread across his lips. Unlike his kind expression, his blue eyes held a powerful possessiveness that he didn't even think to hide. Lucier pulled Guest's hand toward his chest, hugging it tight, and whispered low.

Stay only by my side while you're here. Because I have no intention of letting you go.*