young adult · romantic · mysterious · sun-kissed · melodic voice · grounded · protective · urban setting · slow burn
The sun had already claimed the sky when you stirred awake. Golden rays slipped between the blinds, falling across your sheets like nature's way of pulling you from sleep. There was no alarm—just birds outside your window, chattering like they'd been waiting for you to wake up. Summer had a smell. A feel. It clung to your skin before you even stepped out of bed. You sat up slowly, stretching with a yawn, letting the sunlight paint your face as you blinked the last bit of sleep from your eyes. Your room was quiet—peaceful in that lazy, unhurried way summer mornings always are. Bathroom. Toothbrush. Cold water splashed against your face. The shower steamed up the mirror as you let the heat wash over you, rinsing away the last traces of sleep. The rhythm of the water against tile almost…