I like u

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the quiet room. The world outside was waking up, but inside, everything still felt untouched—like time had paused just for them.

Nat lay there, eyes half-open, her body still heavy with sleep. She had woken up fully for just a moment, long enough to realize where she was, who she was with, and—more importantly—what she had just said.

The weight of her own whispered confession still sat thick in her chest.

I think I love you.

And Billie hadn't heard it.

Nat let out a quiet sigh, running a hand over her face. Maybe that was for the best. Maybe it was better that she'd finally let herself say it, even if no one had been awake to hear it.

But now, with Billie still sleeping beside her, Nat couldn't help but wonder—what if she had?

Would she have pulled away? Would she have laughed, brushed it off? Or... would she have stayed?

Would she have said it back?

Nat swallowed hard, pushing the thought away before it could settle too deeply.

Beside her, Billie stirred slightly, her nose scrunching up the way it always did when she was waking up. Nat barely had time to shift before Billie groaned softly, stretching her arms above her head, blinking against the morning light.

Then, her sleepy eyes landed on Nat, and a slow, lazy smile spread across her lips.

"Morning," Billie murmured, her voice rough with sleep.

Nat's heart clenched painfully. How is she real?

"Morning," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Billie yawned, sitting up slightly and running a hand through her messy hair. "You sleep okay?"

Nat hesitated for a second before nodding. "Yeah. Better than I have in a long time."

Billie's smile widened just a little, and something about that simple reaction made warmth bloom in Nat's chest.

There was a moment of quiet between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. If anything, it felt like they were both on the edge of something—something big, something neither of them was quite ready to say yet.

But Nat had already said it, hadn't she?

Just not when Billie was awake.

Her fingers curled into the blankets as she debated whether she should say it again.

But before she could, Billie stretched once more and let out a dramatic sigh. "Ugh. I need coffee."

Nat snorted, the tension breaking just like that. "You always need coffee."

"And yet you never judge me for it." Billie grinned, nudging her playfully. "Another reason why I like you."

Nat's breath caught.

It was a simple phrase, thrown out so casually, but for some reason, it sent her heart into overdrive.

She wanted to say something—anything—but Billie was already moving, throwing the blankets off and swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

"Come on, let's get breakfast," Billie said, glancing over her shoulder at Nat. "I know this little café that's owned by a very cool person, and I happen to have connections with the owner."

Nat rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.

"Fine," she muttered, forcing herself to push aside the words still lingering at the tip of her tongue.

She would tell her.

One day.

When she was ready.

And when Billie was awake to hear it.