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Protag stirred in his sleep, the faint sensation of being watched tugging at the edges of his consciousness like a persistent whisper. His body shifted restlessly beneath the blankets, and he grumbled softly, the remnants of dreams still clinging to his mind like cobwebs. With a reluctant sigh, he slowly opened his eyes, blinking away the fog of sleep. The room was bathed in shadows, the only light coming from the soft, bluish glow of the alarm clock on the bedside table. The air felt cool against his skin, carrying a subtle, inexplicable tension that sent a shiver down his spine.
His heart skipped a beat, thudding loudly in his chest as he found himself staring into a pair of wide, soulless black eyes. They were set against stark white scleras that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light, unblinking and eerily focused on him. The intensity of the gaze was unnerving, like two dark voids that threatened to swallow him whole. Protag suppressed a gasp, the shock quickly morphing into a familiar blend of exasperation and resigned acceptance as he recognized the unsettling eyes.
"Normal Guy," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep and irritation. "Stop staring at me. It's creepy."
Normal Guy tilted his head slightly, the motion smooth and almost mechanical, a look of genuine curiosity crossing his face. His expression shifted minutely, the faintest hint of confusion mingling with his otherwise blank features. "Is it?" he asked, his voice a soft murmur that lacked any trace of human warmth. The sound was eerily even, devoid of the usual nuances of emotion. "I did not realize." His words hung in the air, each syllable carefully measured, as if he were tasting them for the first time.
Protag sighed, the tension gradually easing out of his body as he adjusted to Normal Guy's unsettling presence. He reached out with a sense of resigned familiarity, wrapping his arms around Normal Guy's cold, unmoving form. The fabric of Normal Guy's shirt was smooth against his skin, a stark contrast to the warmth Protag sought. Pulling himself closer, he nestled his head against Normal Guy's chest, feeling the odd stillness beneath. "Yeah, it is," he murmured, his breath warm and slightly uneven against the fabric.
Normal Guy's fingers twitched, the movement almost imperceptible before he hesitantly placed a hand on the curve of Protag's waist. The touch was tentative, mimicking a gesture he'd observed in humans. "I apologize," he said, his tone genuinely apologetic despite its unnatural cadence. "I simply enjoy watching you sleep. You seem peaceful."
Protag closed his eyes, finding an odd comfort in the steady, albeit artificial, rhythm that mimicked a heartbeat. Despite the inherent strangeness of their relationship, there was an undeniable sense of security in Normal Guy's embrace. The contrast between Normal Guy's cold, unwavering form and the warmth of his own body created a peculiar but soothing balance. "It's okay," he whispered, his voice softened by the remnants of sleep tugging at him once more. "Just... try not to stare so much."
Normal Guy hummed softly, the sound resonating through Protag's body like a gentle, calming vibration. "I will try," he promised, his hand now moving in slow, deliberate patterns across Protag's skin. The touch was both soothing and oddly mechanical, a careful mimicry of human affection. "I am still learning."
Protag smiled faintly, his lips curling up at the edges in a tired but genuine expression of appreciation. The effort Normal Guy was putting in, despite his inhuman nature, was endearing. "I know," he said, his voice barely a whisper, the words almost lost in the quiet intimacy of the moment. "You're doing great." The sincerity in his tone was unmistakable, a soft reassurance that wrapped around Normal Guy as securely as his arms. As sleep began to claim him once more, Protag felt a deep sense of contentment, cradled in the comforting yet strange embrace of his otherworldly partner.
Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over the room and creating patterns on the walls and floor. Protag blinked awake, the soft light gently nudging him from his slumber. The familiar weight of Normal Guy's arm draped over him was a comforting presence, anchoring him to the moment. He yawned deeply, his body stretching slightly beneath the blankets, savoring the gentle warmth of the morning.
As he turned to face Normal Guy, he was met with the same intense, unblinking gaze that had greeted him so many times before. Normal Guy's eyes seemed to reflect the sunlight, adding an otherworldly sheen to his expression.
"Morning," Protag greeted, his voice still thick and heavy with the remnants of sleep. The word came out as a soft murmur, carrying a sense of routine and familiarity that had grown between them.
"Good morning," Normal Guy replied, his tone as neutrally pleasant as ever. "Did you sleep well?"
Protag nodded, stifling another yawn that threatened to escape. "Yeah, I did. Thanks for not staring all night."
Normal Guy blinked, his expression shifting into a smile. It was a calculated gesture, the corners of his mouth turning up in a way that seemed almost mechanical, as if he were following a carefully thought-out description of how to smile. Yet, despite its artificial origin, there were faint traces of warmth in his smile. A genuine effort to connect. "You are welcome. I practiced closing my eyes."
Protag couldn't help but chuckle softly at the earnestness in Normal Guy's response. "Did it work?" he asked, a hint of amusement lacing his voice.
"Mostly," Normal Guy admitted, his gaze unwavering. "It is difficult not to watch you." There was a sincerity in his tone, an unfiltered honesty that highlighted his struggle with understanding human norms. His eyes, still dark and intense, held a depth of fascination and curiosity that Protag had come to recognize over time.
Protag rolled his eyes fondly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips before he leaned in to press a quick, tender kiss to Normal Guy's lips. The moment was brief but filled with warmth and familiarity. "You're incorrigible," he said with a playful tease in his tone, his affection for Normal Guy evident.
Normal Guy's eyes softened, the deep black voids reflecting a hint of something more, something akin to longing or admiration. "I love you," he stated simply, his voice carrying an earnestness that made Protag's heart skip a beat.
"I love you too," Protag replied softly, the words flowing effortlessly from his lips. They felt natural, grounding him in the comfort of their relationship. "Even if you are a bit creepy sometimes."
Normal Guy's expression remained unchanged, his features holding their characteristic neutrality. Yet, Protag could sense a subtle shift in his demeanor, a slight relaxation. "I will try to be less creepy," he promised quietly, his tone serious and determined.
Protag couldn't help but laugh warmly, shaking his head in gentle amusement. "You don't have to change," he reassured, his voice tender. "Just... maybe tone it down a bit."
Normal Guy nodded, his gaze unwavering as he met Protag's eyes with a steady, solemn expression. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow that softened the edges of the room around them. "I understand," he affirmed quietly, his voice carrying a weight of determination. "I will do my best."
Protag smiled softly, a swell of affection welling up inside him at Normal Guy's earnest commitment. He reached out, intertwining his fingers with Normal Guy's cool, steady ones. The contrast in temperature between their hands was a constant reminder of their differences.
"Thank you," Protag murmured sincerely, his thumb brushing over the back of Normal Guy's hand in a soothing gesture. "For trying, and for being here." His words held a depth of gratitude and understanding, an unspoken acknowledgment of the effort it took for Normal Guy to navigate the complexities of human emotions and interactions.
Normal Guy inclined his head slightly, a subtle nod of acknowledgment. Though his features remained practiced, Protag could sense the warmth of his presence, the quiet reassurance that they were in this together, navigating their own unique path of companionship and love.