"We'll be back by tomorrow morning. Take care of yourself and eat well," her mom said, giving her a final, lingering look.

"I will, Mom," Violet reassured, waving as her parents climbed into the car.

With a final wave, they drove down the street, their car eventually disappearing into the haze of the morning. The faint rumble of the engine faded into silence, leaving Violet standing on the porch, clutching the edge of her oversized cardigan. The house was now quiet.

She stepped back inside, closing the door behind her. Normally, the thought of spending a whole day alone would've felt like freedom. No interruptions, no chores to be reminded of every five minutes, no awkward small talk. But today was different.

She wasn't alone.

Violet's gaze drifted toward her bedroom, where Elior was still sleeping. The thought of him in her bed. His tousled hair sprawled across the pillow, his face serene and boyish in sleep made her stomach flutter. A small, involuntary smile tugged at her lips.

Shaking herself out of the daze, she turned and headed straight for the kitchen. If she let herself think too long about Elior and his ridiculously perfect jawline or the way his eyes seemed to see through her, she'd never get anything done.

The sun poured through the window, bathing the small kitchen in a warm glow. She tied her hair back into a loose bun, rolling up the sleeves of her cardigan. Opening the fridge, she took stock of what was available: eggs, milk, butter, and some leftover pancake mix from the weekend. Perfect.

"Pancakes it is," she started to hum a song, pulling everything out and setting it on the counter.

"Do you always hum while cooking, or is this a special show just for me?" Elior's voice, rich with amusement, broke through her focus.

Violet turned to see him leaning casually against the doorframe, his dark hair slightly tousled, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal the faintest hint of his collarbone. He was the perfect mix of charm and mischief.

"Maybe I'd hum less if someone offered to help," she quipped, flashing him a playful glare as she flipped a pancake in the pan.

Elior's grin widened. "What can I say? Watching you cook is way more entertaining."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. There was something about his presence that made the mundane feel extraordinary.

As she reached for a bowl on the upper shelf, Elior moved behind her, his hands gently brushing her hips to steady her. "Careful, kitten," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

The unexpected closeness sent a shiver down her spine. She froze, her heart thudding as butterflies erupted in her stomach.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice soft, almost teasing.

"Y-yeah," she stammered, her face growing warm. "Just startled."

Elior lingered for a moment before stepping back, but the ghost of his touch lingered.

"Fine," he said, grabbing an apron and tying it around his waist. "I'll help. Tell me what to do, Chef Violet."

"You're impossible," she said, shaking her head but feeling a strange warmth spreading through her chest.

They worked side by side, bumping shoulders as they prepped the meal. Elior's clumsy attempts to dice vegetables left her laughing so hard she had to clutch the counter for support.

"Stop laughing," he said, pouting like a child. "I'm trying my best!"

"You're hopeless," she managed between giggles. "But it's cute."

As they finished cooking, Violet plated the food and gestured for Elior to sit at the small kitchen table. She filled their plates with pancakes, eggs, and fruit, then handed him a fork.

"What's this?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Breakfast, obviously," she said, sitting across from him.

"I meant, what's this?" He pointed to her holding a fork.

"Um, eating utensils?"

He grinned and leaned closer, his eyes sparkling. "You're supposed to feed me, kitten. That's the rule."

She blushed, narrowing her eyes at him. "There's no such rule."

"There is now."

Sighing dramatically, Violet stabbed a piece of pancake with her fork and held it up to his lips. "Happy now?"

"Very," he said before taking the bite.

Her stomach fluttered again as he chewed, looking far too pleased with himself.

"You're ridiculous," she muttered, but her heart wasn't in it.

Elior tilted his head, studying her. "And you're beautiful when you're flustered."

The words caught her off guard, and she looked away, her cheeks burning. He had a way of saying things that made her feel seen in a way no one else ever had.

After breakfast, they retreated to the living room. Violet stretched out on the couch, and Elior plopped down beside her, pulling her legs onto his lap without asking.

"You're too comfortable here," she said, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, it's your fault for making this house so cozy," he shot back.

They fell into an easy silence, the warmth of the morning meal and the soft hum of the ceiling fan lulling them into a shared sense of peace. Violet didn't realize how tired she was until her eyelids grew heavy.

"Come here," Elior said, patting his chest.

"What?"

"Nap time," he said, grinning. "I promise I don't bite."

Rolling her eyes but secretly pleased, Violet shifted closer, resting her head against his chest. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a cocoon of warmth and safety.

"You're like a living heater," she mumbled sleepily.

"And you're like a kitten who can't stay mad at me," he teased, pressing his chin against the top of her head.

As comforting as the moment was, a deep sadness gnawed at Violet. She knew he wouldn't remember any of this tomorrow. Her chest tightened at the thought, and tears pricked her eyes.

"What's wrong, kitten?" Elior asked, sensing the shift in her mood. He pulled back slightly, cupping her face and searching her expression.

She looked away, trying to hide the tears threatening to spill. "It's nothing."

"Don't lie to me," he said gently, his thumb brushing her cheek. "Tell me."

Her resolve crumbled, and the words tumbled out. "You're going to forget everything, Elior. Tomorrow, it'll be like none of this ever happened."

His expression softened, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Hey, look at me," he said, tilting her chin so their eyes met.

She sniffled, her tears falling freely now.

"I might forget what happened yesterday or today," he said, his voice steady and soothing. "But I will never forget you, Violet. You're the reason I exist. You're the reason I feel. You're unforgettable."

Her breath hitched, his words sinking into her heart.

"And if I have to fall in love with you every single day, I will. Over and over again," he added, his lips curving into a soft smile.

Before she could respond, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was slow and tender, filled with all the emotions neither of them could put into words.

Violet melted into him, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt as if anchoring herself to the moment.

When they finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers. Her tears dried as a tentative smile formed on her lips.

"I mean it, kitten. You'll always be my Violet."