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Heart wakes up to gentle fingers tracing his face, drawing nonsensical shapes across his cheekbones and over his lips. It’s almost ticklish, and he scrunches his nose, blinking his eyes open.
The sight that greets him is one Heart doesn’t think he’ll ever tire of - Li Ming, smile soft and private in the safety of their bedroom. The sun is rising, washing the room with a glow that only adds to the soft atmosphere.
A smile on his face before Heart can even think about it, he reaches out to reciprocate the touch, cupping his boyfriend’s face in his hand and running a thumb over his cheek. Good morning, the gesture says, and Li Ming’s answering grin is enough of a response.
Shuffling forward, he tangles their legs together, and Heart happily follows his lead. They move closer until their foreheads are touching, and Li Ming is so ethereal just - looking at him. Eyes fluttering shut, Heart just breathes, taking in the moment.
It doesn’t last long, though - sudden movement jolts him out of his reverie, and he opens his eyes to find Li Ming apologetically pulling away to grab his phone and turn something off. His alarm, probably.
Blinking, Heart pushes himself up too. Get up, you’ll be late for class, he signs, nudging his boyfriend. As much as he wants to spend time in bed together, he’d much rather Li Ming not fail his class.
But Li Ming shakes his head and pulls Heart closer. Wanna spend time with my boyfriend, he signs, gestures clumsy and wide.
Heart just tilts his head, amused. It's usually the other way round - Li Ming is the one who has to drag him out of bed.
After a beat, Li Ming sighs. 'Fine,' he mouths, before untangling his hand. Come shower with me, he signs, smiling teasingly.
Throwing a pillow at his face, Heart rolls his eyes, smitten. Go shower, I’ll get your clothes ready.
Li Ming groans dramatically, though even that is laced with fondness. Fine. I’ll go shower. He pauses. Alone.
Unable to help the laughter bubbling out of his chest, Heart shoves him off the bed.
—
Li Ming walks into the room with just a towel wrapped around his waist, and from his position on the bed, Heart has no shame in admiring his boyfriend's body. He openly stares, admiring the way his muscles flex.
Either oblivious or just unbothered, Li Ming picks up the pink t-shirt on the bed, eyes crinkling. He puts it on before signing, it’s yours. Why do you like me wearing your clothes so much?
Heart pauses - he's not sure how to explain the way his chest swells whenever Li Ming wears something of his, how it feels like a physical representation of the way Heart wants to wrap Li Ming in his arms and never let go.
Instead, he just shrugs and shuffles to the edge of the bed, beckoning Li Ming closer. When he's within range, Heart leans up and pulls him into a kiss - it's the closest he has to an answer.
The way Li Ming laughs into it is the best feeling in the world.
—
Weaving around the room, Li Ming mouths something to himself as he pulls out stray sheets of paper and haphazardly shoves them into his bag. Heart tracks his boyfriend’s erratic path with his eyes, equal parts amused and exasperated. No matter how much he tries, Li Ming always packs right before he has to leave.
Shoving a water bottle in his bag (that Heart is pretty sure is actually his, but he doesn’t mind), Li Ming makes it to the door before he comes to a complete stop, whirling around.
Heart straightens. Is something wrong? Did he forget something? He brings his hands up to sign the question, but before he can, Li Ming makes a beeline straight to him. He shoves the folder he's holding into Heart’s hands and signs out a sloppy love you, bye, before kissing Heart's cheek. He takes the folder back, grins, and then he’s gone.
Heart doesn't stop smiling for a good while after that.