As I was about to get off the bed, I made sure once again that Sebastian was still sound asleep. Slowly, I placed the tips of my toes on the floor. Then I began to stand up and tiptoe toward the bathroom. I didn’t want to wake him up and let him see me in this disheveled state.

"Why are you walking so weird, El?" Sebastian’s confused voice made me freeze in place.

I turned to look at him—he was already awake. Rubbing one of his eyes, Sebastian asked again, “Why are you walking weird like that?” I gulped when I saw him, newly awakened, sitting up and lifting half the blanket off his body. His chest, as sculpted as a six-pack loaf of bread, was fully on display. I quickly shook my head, trying to stay focused.

“Um, I was trying to walk quietly so I wouldn’t wake you up.” I tried to defend myself.

“Hmm, but I still woke up. So I guess your quiet walking had nothing to do with whether I woke up or not.” Sebastian, still sitting, began stretching his arms, making his well-built chest even more exposed.

Jeez, early morning and I’m already having heart palpitations.

I cleared my throat. “I-I’m going to take a shower now. I have a morning class at nine-thirty, and if I don’t get ready now, I might get stuck in traffic and be late.” After explaining, I turned back toward the bathroom.

Suddenly, I heard hurried footsteps coming from the bed behind me.

Oh no! What if he says he wants to shower together?

“El…” Sebastian hugged me from behind, halting my steps. I could feel the warmth of his body even though he was wearing a T-shirt. “Thank you for last night... I hope, now that we’re officially husband and wife, you’ll be mine and mine only. I promise I’ll be the same. You’re the only one for me.” he whispered softly in my ear.

I nodded, agreeing to his request. Thank goodness, that’s all he wanted to say. I’d been overthinking. It’s still early morning, after all.

“Yes, I promise. Now that we’re married, I’m yours alone.” My stomach fluttered as I said those words in response to Sebastian’s request. I could feel his warm breath on my neck, making my heart beat even faster.

“Sebastian…”

“Hm?” he sighed softly.

“Um, I really need to take a shower now…” I slowly tried to free myself from his embrace.

“I want to shower too. Let’s do it together.” He kissed my ear gently and gave it a playful nibble. Before I could respond, he swiftly picked me up and carried me into the bathroom.

I could only surrender and hope I wouldn’t end up being late for class.

**

Thankfully, everything went smoothly and on time. By eight, I was already dressed and ready. I looked at myself in the mirror to make sure my appearance was neat.

“You look gorgeous already, babe. No need to stare at the mirror too long,” Sebastian said, hugging me from behind.

“Sebastian, please. I’m already dressed. No more funny business,” I giggled as he kept kissing the back of my neck.

“Leave your hair down, El... your neck is making me want to turn into a vampire,” Sebastian said as he undid my hair tie.

“You think I’m not…” I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Not what?” The handsome man in front of me looked puzzled.

“From the first time we met, honestly, I couldn’t resist your neck either,” I whispered as I returned the kiss on his neck.

“Oof, don’t, El. If you do that... I can’t hold back. We might end up having a different kind of breakfast,” he said, cupping my face.

I laughed, “That’s not fair… you get to kiss me, but I can’t kiss you.”

Sebastian cupped my cheeks and chuckled, “The thing is, El, when I kiss your neck, nothing *down there* wakes up and demands responsibility. But if *you* kiss *me*... that’s a different story,” he added, now brushing his lips against mine.

“You said you couldn’t hold back…” I pulled my head away slightly.

“A little morning kiss is okay... I *hope* I can hold back,” he said, chuckling again as he leaned in to kiss me.

Sebastian’s lips tasted sweet and minty, making me eager to savor every motion of his lips and tongue. Our breathing grew heavy, and his kisses became more intense. I snapped back to focus.

“Sebastian, please. Let’s save this for later, I don’t want to be late.” I gently pulled away from his lips.

He pulled back, looking slightly embarrassed. “Oh God, El, sorry... I got carried away.” He glanced at his watch. “Let’s go have breakfast…”

“No need. I’m afraid I’ll be late,” I said while walking to the bookshelf to prepare my bag for class.

“Hey, this time I meant actual breakfast, honey. I made you special sausage soup.” Sebastian laughed at my rejection.

“Eh? When did you make sausage soup?” I asked, pretending not to blush from my inappropriate thoughts earlier.

“Hehehe, you’ll see,” Sebastian chuckled. “Let’s eat. My mom brought us some boxes of food from our wedding reception last night.”

“Hmm, so that’s why…” I laughed at his answer.

**

Sebastian’s car cut through the morning traffic. Luckily, we didn’t get stuck anywhere.

“El, I’ll be going to the civil registry office today to complete the paperwork and additional documents. Hopefully, it won’t take long so I can come pick you up,” Sebastian said while keeping his eyes on the road.

“No, you don’t have to pick me up,” I refused his offer.

“Huh? Why not, El? Why can’t I pick you up?” Sebastian glanced at me when I turned him down.

“I have something to take care of at Wonderland. I want to settle that thing I told you about.”

“Ahh, that. Alright then, you just focus on your class, and afterward, figure out how to cancel those two annoying guests, okay?” he suggested.

“I tried yesterday, babe, but I didn’t know who to ask for help. But now it’s different... I have you to help me.” I gently stroked Sebastian’s arm, making him smile.

“Of course I’ll help. Especially now that you’re officially mine. I won’t let anyone else touch you,” he said confidently.

“Make sure you keep in touch, E!”

I nodded firmly, “Of course. I’m your wife now…”

***