Maki Harukawa blinked, her eyes barely adjusting to the soft glow filtering through the curtains. The dawn was quiet, golden rays spilling across the floor, gently nudging her awake. She lay still, her body heavy and sore, wrapped in the warmth of another presence beside her. She shifted, careful not to disturb the weight on her arm, the heat of skin pressed against hers.

Kaito lay next to her, his breathing steady, face slack in the peace of sleep. For a moment, Maki allowed herself to observe him...the rise and fall of his chest, the faint remnants of exhaustion still etched into his features. Her heart twisted, both at the sight and at the reality of it all.

The night had been rough. Their bodies had moved with an intensity she didn't think she'd ever let herself indulge in. She wasn't sure what to make of it now.

She carefully pulled her arm from under Kaito and sat up, the cool air biting at her bare skin. The light of dawn seemed softer than usual, a fragile peace before the chaos of the day. 

Maki lazily reached over to the nightstand, her fingers brushing against the cool surface of her phone. She unlocked it with a swipe, her eyes squinting at the brightness of the screen. A single message from Shuichi popped up.

I'll be out for the day. Apartment's all yours. Don't worry about a thing. Have a good one.

She stared at the message for a moment before sighing, letting the phone drop back onto the nightstand. Her body slumped against the bed, a heavy feeling settling in her chest as the realization hit her...she had the day to herself. The stillness of the apartment was unsettling. Kaito's deep snores rumbled beside her, oblivious to everything.

Maki slid out of bed, her bare feet pressing against the cool wooden floor. The chill of the morning air sent a shiver through her, but she didn't bother grabbing any clothes. 

Instead, she moved around the room, her thoughts elsewhere. The clutter of the previous night lingered...scattered clothes, an empty glass on the dresser, a pile of blankets half-draped over the edge of the bed.

She picked up her discarded shirt first, tossing it into the laundry bin before gathering up Kaito's jacket. Her motions were mechanical, like she was trying to lose herself in the mundane task of cleaning. The room slowly started to regain some order as she continued, her focus drifting between the mess and the quiet hum of the early morning.

Despite the calm, her mind was restless. It wasn't like her to feel so out of place, even in her own space. Kaito's snores, loud and familiar, filled the silence, but she barely registered them as she straightened out the bed and wiped down the dresser. Every movement was deliberate, as if cleaning the room would somehow help her organize the tangled mess in her head.

Maki stepped into the bathroom, the cold tiles underfoot a sharp contrast to the warmth of the bed she'd just left. The door creaked softly as it closed behind her, shutting out the sound of Kaito's snores. She could still hear him faintly through the walls, and she scoffed under her breath, shaking her head at how soundly he slept.

*Lazy as ever...* she thought with a faint smirk, reaching for her toothbrush. She squeezed a bit of toothpaste onto the bristles and began brushing, her eyes absentmindedly drifting to the mirror in front of her.

As she moved the brush in steady circles, her gaze caught her own reflection...her naked form, pale and unguarded in the dim light of the bathroom. She stopped for a moment, staring at herself in a way she usually avoided.

The girl in the mirror looked different. Not in appearance, but in the way she held herself. There was a strange vulnerability in her posture, an openness she wasn't used to seeing. She wasn't the assassin now. She wasn't on alert, waiting for a threat. 

She was just...here. Just Maki.

She kept brushing her teeth, her thoughts trailing off into unfamiliar territory. Letting her guard down like this...naked, exposed, alone...it wasn't something she ever thought she'd do willingly. But last night... it wasn't just about the physical. It was something more. A trust she hadn't let herself feel for anyone in a long time. And now, here she was, standing in the mirror without the constant fear of danger, without the usual armor she kept around herself.

*How far could I really go?* she wondered, her brow furrowing. She'd let herself get close to Kaito, let herself be vulnerable with him in ways she never imagined. But was that a mistake? Could she ever truly be that person...someone who wasn't constantly watching her back, waiting for the other shoe to drop?

She rinsed her mouth and set the toothbrush aside, her eyes still fixed on her reflection. The questions hung in the air, unanswered. She didn't know how far she could go with this. But she was beginning to realize it scared her more than any enemy ever had.

Kaito stirred, groaning as he slowly blinked awake, his body heavy from sleep. He didn't even bother sitting up before he rolled out of bed, his bare feet hitting the floor with a thud. Rubbing his eyes, he stretched lazily and wandered out of the bedroom, still half-asleep, his mind not quite catching up to the fact that he was stark naked.

As he stepped into the front room, he heard a faint humming noise. He blinked, still groggy, and his head turned toward the source. 

There, on the treadmill, was Maki, completely naked, casually running like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Morning," she said between steady breaths, barely glancing at him as she kept her pace.

Kaito blinked a few times, processing the sight. His eyes widened in surprise, but then he quickly grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"Well...didn't expect that first thing this morning," he said with a chuckle, "Good morning, I guess."

"Is it that surprising?" Maki replied, her tone nonchalant as she kept running, her bare feet smacking on the rubber tread, "You're the one who said we shouldn't bother with decency if it's just us. I'm just being efficient." 

"True, true," Kaito said, still grinning as he leaned against the wall, "Guess I'm just not used to seeing you this...relaxed."

"Get used to it. If you're gonna be here more often, I'm not changing how I do things," Maki shot him a glance, her eyes narrowing slightly, though there was no real sharpness in her expression.

"Fair enough," Kaito said with a laugh, watching her in admiration. He admired how composed she always seemed, even in situations like this, "You know, I could get used to mornings like this. But I should probably go get ready for breakfast before my stomach starts growling like crazy."

"You? Eating before doing anything else? Shocking." Maki smirked, shaking her head as she continued her run.

"Hey, a man's gotta eat!" Kaito called over his shoulder as he headed back to the bedroom to grab some clothes, "I'll whip something up once you're done with your morning workout. Sound good?"

"Sounds fine," Maki replied, her focus already back on the treadmill, her humming resuming as if the conversation had barely interrupted her. Kaito couldn't help but smile at how natural everything felt between them, even in moments like this.

In the kitchen, Kaito moved with ease, gathering ingredients for a quick but healthy breakfast. He pulled out eggs, spinach, and some fruit from the fridge, humming softly to himself as he started scrambling the eggs in a pan. The soft sizzle filled the room, and soon the smell of cooking food drifted into the apartment.

As Maki finished her workout and stepped off the treadmill, she wiped the sweat from her brow and wandered over to the table. She didn't bother getting dressed, and neither did Kaito. The casualness of it didn't feel strange anymore. In fact, it felt natural.

Kaito plated up the food and brought it over, setting down two plates of scrambled eggs with sautéed spinach and a bowl of mixed fruit between them. 

"Not bad, huh?" he said, sliding into the chair across from her.

Maki glanced at the food, giving a small nod of approval. 

"It's fine," she said, picking up her fork. Her tone was casual, but Kaito could see the faint satisfaction in her eyes. They both dug in, the soft clinks of their forks filling the quiet room.

For a while, they ate in comfortable silence, the food disappearing quickly between them. The quiet wasn't awkward, it was just how things were between them sometimes. No need for constant chatter.

"So," Kaito said between bites of fruit, "any plans today?"

Maki paused, thinking for a moment. 

"Not really. Might train a little more later. Shuichi's out for the day, so I have the place to myself. You?"

"Hmm, might go for a run after this," Kaito replied, chewing thoughtfully,"But first, I'm gonna enjoy this food. You know me; can't go adventuring on an empty stomach."

"Guess you're not as hopeless as I thought," Maki rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

The two continued eating, chatting here and there, still completely nude. It didn't seem to matter. They were comfortable like this...no pretenses, no masks, just the quiet rhythm of their shared space. In this moment, nothing needed to be complicated. It was just them, breakfast, and the soft light of the morning spilling in from the windows.

As they ate, Kaito's eyes occasionally drifted toward Maki. His gaze lingered on her body, admiring the subtle strength in her frame. The toned muscles she'd built up through years of rigorous training. His mind wandered, caught somewhere between admiration and fondness, until Maki's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Stop staring," she said flatly, not even looking up from her plate. Kaito grinned, leaning back in his chair. 

"What's there to stare at?" he asked, feigning innocence with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Without missing a beat, Maki shot her leg out under the table, delivering a swift kick to his shin. Kaito yelped, nearly knocking his glass of water over. 

"Ow! Geez, I was just kidding!"

Maki finally glanced up at him, her expression unamused but a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

"You deserved that."

"Maybe," Kaito muttered, rubbing his shin with a pout, though his grin hadn't quite faded. He knew better than to push his luck, but he couldn't help himself when it came to teasing her. Once they finished their meal, Maki stood up, still completely at ease in her nudity. 

"I'm getting in the shower," she announced, as if daring Kaito to make a comment.

"No arguments from me. I'll take care of these plates," He raised his hands in mock surrender.

Maki didn't respond, simply heading toward the bathroom with her usual quiet grace. As she disappeared behind the door, Kaito started gathering up the dishes, humming to himself. Cleaning up the kitchen wasn't exactly his favorite task, but he didn't mind it. Especially since it meant giving Maki a little space after the teasing...he knew when to back off.

As the sound of the shower starting echoed from the bathroom, Kaito stacked the plates in the sink, still smiling to himself. He wasn't sure how he'd gotten lucky enough to end up in this weird but strangely comfortable situation with Maki, but he wasn't complaining.

Kaito had finished cleaning up and was leaning against the counter, lost in thought as the sound of the running shower continued in the background. He wasn't sure how long he'd been standing there when the bathroom door creaked open, and Maki emerged, still completely naked, her hair and body dripping wet, water glistening on her skin in the soft morning light.

Kaito blinked, his breath catching for a second. She looked...

"Sexy" wasn't even the right word. There was something effortlessly striking about her, standing there without any hint of self-consciousness, water droplets trailing down her toned body. He swallowed, his eyes following the curve of her form, and he wondered briefly what she was up to, casually walking out like this.

But Maki didn't seem fazed. She met his gaze as if everything was perfectly normal. 

"Did you clean up?" she asked, her voice neutral, like they were having any ordinary conversation.

Kaito's mind struggled to catch up with the casualness of her tone. 

"Uh, yeah," he said, clearing his throat as he tried to play it cool, "All cleaned up. Not that I mind, but...what's with the no towel thing?"

Maki simply shrugged, brushing a few damp strands of hair out of her face. 

"It's just us here. You didn't seem to care before."

"I mean, yeah, but...still," Kaito scratched the back of his head, trying not to make it obvious that he was still staring, "You're making it hard not to, uh, notice."

Maki raised an eyebrow but didn't react beyond that, walking over to grab a brush from the counter, her movements as casual as ever. 

"You can stop gawking any time," she said dryly. Kaito chuckled nervously, shaking his head.

"I'm not gawking...Okay, maybe a little. But seriously, you look..." 

He cut himself off, realizing anything he said next would probably earn him another kick to the shin. Maki didn't acknowledge his hesitation, instead starting to brush out her wet hair like nothing was out of the ordinary. 

"You're hopeless, you know that?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Kaito muttered, still trying to pull his gaze away, though his mind kept circling back to how effortlessly she could make him feel flustered without even trying.

With the dishes cleaned and not much else to do, Kaito and Maki found themselves moving around the apartment, cleaning up as they went. The morning had a quiet rhythm to it, and their casual nudity had quickly become just part of the day. But as they moved from room to room, dusting off shelves or tidying things up, they couldn't help but exchange glances.

Kaito's eyes would linger on Maki's body as she bent to pick something up or reached for a high shelf, the subtle curves and muscle lines catching his attention. Maki, in turn, would glance at him, her eyes flicking up and down, though her expression remained calm and unreadable.

The unspoken tension simmered between them for a while. It was casual enough to ignore, but after some time, Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that something was up. Finally, as they finished wiping down the coffee table, he stopped and turned to face her, a teasing smile creeping onto his face.

"Okay, seriously," he said, folding his arms, "Are you trying to seduce me or something?"

Maki barely paused, not even looking up as she tossed the cleaning rag onto the table. 

"Not really," she said, her tone so casual it almost made him laugh, "If I was trying, you'd know."

"Wait what?" Kaito blinked, caught off guard by her blunt response as his grin widened, "So this is you not trying?"

"Pretty much. You're the one making it a big deal," Maki shrugged, completely unfazed.

Kaito shook his head, still smiling as he took a step closer, his voice lowering just a bit. 

"Man, you're impossible. You know that, right?"

Maki finally glanced up at him, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

 "Maybe. But you're still the one who's distracted."

Kaito chuckled, unable to argue with that. She wasn't wrong. He was definitely distracted. But there was something about her calm confidence that only made him want to push a little further. 

"Alright, fine. I'm distracted. But if this is you not trying, I can't even imagine what it'd be like if you actually were."

"Guess you'll have to wonder." Maki just smirked, rolling her eyes as she walked past him, clearly in no rush to answer. But as Maki passed by him, Kaito reached out, gently catching her wrist. She paused, glancing back at him with a raised eyebrow, though her expression was softer than usual. 

"You okay?" Kaito asked, his voice quieter now, sensing something deeper behind her calm exterior.

Maki hesitated for a moment, then sighed, pulling her wrist free and folding her arms across her chest. She looked down, her eyes distant as if something was weighing on her. 

"Last night..." she began, her voice steady but quieter than usual, "I keep thinking about it."

"Yeah? It was pretty great, right?" Kaito nodded, his brow furrowing as he tried to gauge what she was getting at. Maki gave a small nod but didn't quite meet his eyes. 

"Yeah. But...that's the thing. I feel nervous about how easily I'm letting myself...be like this," she gestured vaguely at her body, her nudity symbolizing more than just physical exposure, "I never used to let my guard down like this. I didn't think I ever could."

"Hey, that's not a bad thing, you know?" Kaito's expression softened, and he took a step closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, "Being comfortable, being vulnerable...it just means you trust me."

Maki's lips pressed into a thin line, and she finally looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of confusion and uncertainty. 

"I know. And that's what scares me." Her voice was quiet, almost like she was admitting something she hadn't fully accepted herself, "I don't know what to make of it. I've always kept myself in check. Always controlled everything. And now...I'm not sure."

"You're afraid of what? Letting go? Being close like this?" Kaito frowned, but not out of frustration; more out of concern. Maki let out a small, frustrated breath, shaking her head. 

"I don't know. Maybe both," She paused, her hands tightening into fists at her sides, "I'm afraid of something, but I can't figure out what it is. And that makes me...uneasy."

Kaito studied her for a moment, his hand slipping down her arm, offering reassurance. 

"Look, I get it. I'm not saying it's easy, but I think being able to trust someone... that's something good," he said, "Even if it feels weird. You've been through a lot, Maki, so it makes sense why you'd be afraid."

Maki didn't respond right away. Her gaze drifted toward the floor, her thoughts clouded. 

"It's just... I never imagined I'd be here," she said softly, almost more to herself than to him. "With you, like this. It's... trange."

Kaito squeezed her hand gently, offering her a warm smile. 

"Yeah, it's a little strange. But maybe that's part of the fun, right? Figuring it out together."

Maki looked at him, her expression conflicted but softened by his words. She didn't know if it was something as simple as trust or if there was something deeper she hadn't uncovered yet, but Kaito's presence made it feel less overwhelming.

Even if she didn't fully understand it yet, there was some comfort in the fact that he was there with her, willing to figure it out, no matter how vulnerable she felt.

Maki took a deep breath, her heart racing as she looked into Kaito's eyes. The warmth of his hand on hers was grounding, pulling her out of her swirling thoughts. Without thinking, she stepped closer, and Kaito mirrored her movements, the space between them closing until they were practically enveloped in each other's presence.

"Maki," Kaito murmured, his voice low and sincere, and before she knew it, he pulled her into a warm embrace. Maki felt the tension in her chest begin to melt away as she pressed herself against him, letting her hands wander over his back, feeling the strength of his form beneath her fingers.

Their bodies seemed to instinctively fit together, and as they embraced, Maki felt Kaito's hands gently caressing her arms, tracing the curves of her body with a tenderness that made her heart flutter. It felt surreal, letting herself get lost in this moment, and yet it was freeing in a way she hadn't expected.

Kaito pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes bright with affection. 

"You okay?" he asked softly, his forehead resting against hers. She nodded, her breath hitching slightly. 

"Yeah, I think so."

Without another word, Kaito leaned in, capturing her lips with his own. The kiss was gentle at first, an exploration of the emotions that had been building between them. Maki felt her pulse quicken as she kissed him back, her lips moving against his with a newfound urgency.

Their hands roamed freely, fingers intertwining as Kaito deepened the kiss, his hands gliding down her sides before finding their way back to her waist. Maki sighed into the kiss, her body instinctively arching toward him, feeling a surge of warmth and connection that ignited a spark within her.

As they pulled apart, their foreheads resting together, Maki couldn't help but smile. 

"You make it hard to think," she said, her breath still slightly uneven. Kaito chuckled softly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. 

"Isn't that the point?"

Maki rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward. She felt lighter, the weight of her uncertainty lifting just a little. Being in Kaito's arms felt safe and right, like she could finally let go of her guard without fear.

"Maybe," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I might need you to help me figure out what this all means."

Kaito gently guided Maki to the sofa, his hand resting on her back as he led her to the plush cushions. He could feel the warmth radiating from her skin, and he wanted to cherish every moment of this connection. Once they were settled, Kaito laid back, pulling her with him so she was nestled against his side.

"Make yourself comfortable," he murmured, brushing a few wet strands of hair from her face. The soft light filtering in through the window cast a warm glow on her features, and Kaito couldn't help but smile, his heart swelling at how beautiful she looked in that moment.

Maki settled against him, her head finding a place on his shoulder as she closed her eyes for a moment. Kaito's arm wrapped around her, holding her close, and he could feel the tension in her body gradually easing. 

"You know," he said softly, his voice low, "you can always talk to me about anything. No matter what it is."

Maki nodded slightly, her eyes still closed. 

"I know," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, "It's just...sometimes it's hard to put into words."

Kaito understood. He ran his fingers lightly along her arm, tracing little patterns that made her skin tingle. 

"You don't have to rush. Just take your time. I'm here for you," He kissed the top of her head, savoring the moment as they lay together.

"Thanks, Kaito," she said, her voice softer now. He smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at her words. 

"I want you to know how special you are to me. I mean it. You deserve to feel loved and appreciated," Kaito leaned down to look her in the eyes, his gaze sincere, "I'm not going anywhere, Maki. You can count on that."

Maki opened her eyes, meeting his gaze with a softness that warmed Kaito from the inside out.

"I appreciate that more than you know," she replied, a hint of vulnerability in her tone. Kaito brushed his thumb gently across her cheek, his heart racing at how close they were. 

"Just let me know how I can help you feel that way. I'll do whatever it takes."

Maki searched his eyes, and for a moment, Kaito wondered if she might say something profound, but instead, she leaned in, placing a soft kiss on his lips, lingering just a moment longer than before. 

"Just being here with me is enough," she whispered against his mouth.

Kaito felt a surge of warmth wash over him, and he returned the kiss with a gentleness that belied his usual boisterous nature. As they parted, he smiled, brushing his lips against her forehead. 

They lay there together, wrapped in each other's arms, content to enjoy the quiet of the morning. Kaito's fingers continued to trail along Maki's back, their connection deepening in that peaceful cocoon of intimacy. He wanted to make sure she felt loved, and as Maki nestled closer to him, he felt a sense of fulfillment that was almost overwhelming.

"Good, because that's all I want to do. Whatever you need, I'm here," he murmured, and Maki smiled against his shoulder, her trust in him feeling like a precious gift.