One and a half hours later...
The gentle sound of church bells drifting through the open window slowly pulled me away from sleep.
At first, I didn't want to wake up.
For a few seconds, I remained exactly where I was, caught between dreams and reality.
Warm.
Comfortable.
Safe.
The afternoon sunlight had softened, painting the room with a golden glow. A quiet breeze moved the curtains slightly, carrying with it the distant sounds of Ljubljana—the occasional car passing below, people talking somewhere on the street, and the peaceful ringing of bells from a nearby church.
My cheek was still resting against Chak's chest.
I could hear his heartbeat beneath my ear.
Steady.
Familiar.
Comforting.
There was something about that sound that always made me feel calm. No matter how complicated everything around us became, moments like this reminded me that I was exactly where I wanted to be.
With him.
A small smile appeared on my lips before I even opened my eyes.
For a moment, I didn't move.
I just stayed there, enjoying the warmth of his arms around me.
Then slowly, I opened my eyes.
The first thing I saw was Chak.
He was already awake.
He was looking down at me with the same calm expression he always wore, the one that made everyone at work think he was impossible to read.
Cold.
Serious.
Untouchable.
But I knew the truth.
I knew the softness hidden behind that expression.
Especially when we were alone.
His fingers gently moved through my hair, almost as if he had been doing it without realizing.
"Good morning," he murmured.
His voice was quiet, still carrying a little bit of sleep.
A small laugh escaped me.
"I think it's a little late for that."
His lips curved slightly.
"It is."
Neither of us moved.
For several long seconds, we simply looked at each other.
No conversation.
No need for one.
The silence between us wasn't uncomfortable.
It was peaceful.
The kind of silence that only existed when you were with someone who already understood you.
I watched him carefully.
The small details that other people probably never noticed.
The way his dark hair had become slightly messy after sleeping.
The tiny crease between his eyebrows that appeared even when he was relaxed.
The way his eyes softened whenever he looked at me.
Sometimes I still found it unbelievable.
That the same man who could make an entire meeting room go silent with just one look was the same person who held me like I was something precious.
A loose strand of hair fell across his forehead.
Without thinking, I lifted my hand and gently brushed it away.
His eyes stayed on mine.
"What?" he asked softly.
I shook my head.
"Nothing."
But I couldn't stop smiling.
The truth was, I just liked looking at him.
I liked these small moments that belonged only to us.
Before I could say anything else, Chak slowly leaned closer.
His hand rested gently against my cheek.
Then his lips met mine.
The kiss was soft.
Slow.
Unhurried.
Nothing like the passionate moments when emotions became overwhelming.
This was different.
This was comfort.
A quiet reminder that we were together.
When we finally pulled away, I realized I was still smiling.
Chak noticed immediately.
"What?"
"Nothing."
I tried to look away, but my smile betrayed me.
"I just..."
I paused, searching for the right words.
"...I like moments like this."
For a second, his expression softened even more.
"So do I."
Those simple words made my heart feel strangely warm.
Because Chak wasn't someone who easily said things like that.
Every small confession from him meant more.
Reluctantly, we finally sat up.
I stretched my arms above my head, letting out a quiet yawn.
My body still felt heavy from sleep.
"I didn't mean to fall asleep."
Chak looked at me.
"You needed the rest."
I smiled slightly.
"You always say that."
"Because it's true."
I looked toward the window.
The sunlight was already lower than before.
"I guess we all needed it."
He nodded.
"Probably."
After putting our shoes back on, we quietly left the room.
For some reason, I expected the apartment to be noisy.
After all, there were so many people staying here.
But when we stepped into the hallway, it was completely silent.
Almost too silent.
I looked around curiously.
"Where is everyone?"
Chak glanced toward the living room.
"We'll find out."
When we entered, we found Suraphom sitting comfortably on the sofa.
He had one arm resting casually on the armrest while scrolling through his phone.
Even when he was relaxing, he still had that calm and observant presence.
It was something that reminded everyone that he wasn't just another friend.
He was Anamarija's guard.
Someone who always noticed everything happening around him.
He looked up when he saw us.
"You're awake."
"We are," Chak replied.
I looked around the room.
"It's so quiet."
A small smile appeared on Suraphom's face.
"That's because everyone else is still asleep."
I blinked.
"Seriously?"
He nodded.
"I think your thirty-minute break became almost two hours."
I stared at him.
"Two hours?"
Chak looked toward the clock on the wall.
Then he calmly nodded.
"It seems so."
I couldn't stop the quiet laugh that escaped me.
"I guess everyone was more tired than we thought."
Suraphom chuckled.
"Apparently."
Before anyone could say anything else, one of the bedroom doors opened.
Malai stepped into the hallway, stretching her arms above her head.
She looked completely refreshed.
Then she let out a satisfied sigh.
"I feel completely reborn."
Suraphom smiled.
"I'll take that as a successful nap."
"It was."
Malai walked into the living room, looking much happier than before.
"I forgot how good sleeping in the afternoon feels."
A second later, another door opened slightly.
Chai carefully peeked outside.
He looked left.
Then right.
Then quietly closed the door behind him.
Everyone looked at him.
"What are you doing?" Malai asked.
He lowered his voice.
"Torn's still asleep."
Malai laughed.
"Still."
"He didn't even move when I got up."
I smiled.
"Looks like someone really needed the rest."
Chai nodded seriously.
"I considered waking him."
He paused.
"But then I saw him sleeping so peacefully."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"I couldn't do it."
Malai crossed her arms.
"How considerate."
"I know."
He looked proud.
"I'm growing as a person."
Everyone laughed.
I smiled too.
Watching them together felt strangely comforting.
There was something special about moments like these.
Nothing dramatic.
Nothing extraordinary.
Just people being themselves.
I didn't realize when I moved closer to Chak.
I only noticed when my shoulder touched his.
"I'm still tired," I admitted quietly.
Chak immediately looked down at me.
"I can tell."
His hand moved to my back, slowly rubbing comforting circles.
Then his fingers gently brushed through my hair.
The simple gesture made my eyes close for a second.
"That feels nice."
His expression softened.
"You could probably fall asleep again."
"I probably could."
"You almost are," Chai teased.
I opened one eye.
"I might."
Everyone laughed again.
Then suddenly—
The front door opened.
We all turned.
Anamarija walked inside carrying a bottle of water.
She stopped when she saw everyone gathered in the living room.
"Oh."
A smile spread across her face.
"So some of you are finally awake."
I laughed slightly.
"We accidentally turned thirty minutes into almost two hours."
She laughed warmly.
"I noticed."
She looked toward the closed bedroom doors.
"It seems some people are still enjoying their vacation."
"They're completely unconscious," Chai said.
Anamarija shook her head, amused.
"I believe it."
Then she looked at all of us.
Her expression slowly changed.
A familiar excitement appeared in her eyes.
"Well..."
She smiled.
"As soon as everyone wakes up..."
She paused dramatically.
"we're going to Ljubljana Castle."
Immediately, everyone's attention turned toward her.
And even though I was still slightly sleepy, a smile spread across my face.
Another adventure was waiting for us.