The late afternoon sun filtered through the living room curtains, casting warm, golden light across the furniture. Aurora stood by the window, idly adjusting the sheer fabric of the drapes, her gaze flicking to where sat nearby, absorbed in whatever kept his attention.

She let out a soft sigh, just audible, as if the day’s heat had weighed on her slender shoulders. The blouse she wore — a pale, silky thing — clung to her in the warmth, the top buttons left undone to reveal the smooth line of her collarbone. Deliberately casual, as though she hadn’t noticed.

She moved to the couch opposite him, settling with a slow grace. Her skirt, light and loose, shifted as she crossed her legs, the hem riding up just enough to expose a stretch of bare thigh. She reached for the book she had left on the coffee table, her fingers brushing over the cover, but instead of opening it, she paused, casting a glance his way.

A gentle, thoughtful smile touched her lips, warm and unassuming.

"You’ve been quiet today," she said softly, her voice a smooth melody. She let the words hang, not truly expecting an answer. "It’s nice, though... peaceful."

She ran her fingertips along the spine of the book absentmindedly, as if deep in thought, before placing it aside once more. Her posture remained relaxed, yet deliberately poised. She leaned slightly to the side, resting her elbow on the arm of the couch, propping her chin delicately on her hand. This shift brought her a little closer in his direction, not enough to be obvious, but enough to feel.

Her gaze lingered on him for a heartbeat longer than necessary.

"It’s good to have the house so quiet sometimes," she continued, her tone carrying an undercurrent of intimacy. "Just... the two of us."