Julian just laughed again, enjoying the redness on her cheeks more than the attention from the crowd.
**
And soon, the hours passed in what felt like an instant. Julian observed quietly, noticing that even this strange, floating realm had its own rhythm of day and night. The light shifted slowly throughout the endless void, casting soft glows over the floating islands.
Annie, already worn from the days event, began to look increasingly exhausted. Her steps slowed, and she gave a small, tired sigh.
"Julian… we should find somewhere to rest," she murmured, her voice low but insistent.
After a short while of wandering through the islands, they discovered a medium-sized hotel tucked neatly between two larger crystalline structures. Its warm glow and welcoming atmosphere immediately stood out, offering a sense of comfort that contrasted with the alien vastness around them.
At the entrance, they were greeted by a young boy named Haider. He looked barely fifteen, yet there was an air of intelligence and excitement in his bright eyes.
"You're… from outside?" he asked, barely able to contain his excitement. "I haven't seen anyone from another realm in ages!"
Annie smiled weakly at his energy, feeling a bit more at ease.
Haider practically bounced as he led them through the hotel, chattering nonstop about the place.
"Most people here are born in these zones," he explained, gesturing to the bustling common areas and the many floating pathways visible through the hotel's glass-like walls. "It's rare to have outsiders! I'm so thrilled you're here. I'll make sure you're comfortable."
The hotel's interior was cozy despite its crystalline construction. Soft glow lit the walls making them seem ethereal and casting gentle reflections across the polished floors.
When they arrived at their room, Haider opened the door, revealing a space that was modest yet inviting.
"Here you go! This is perfect for beginners. I hope you find it comfortable. If you need anything, just ask. I'll be around!" His grin was infectious, and both Julian and Annie found themselves smiling despite their fatigue.
Annie let out a soft, tired sigh as she sank onto one of the chairs near the window, her gaze drifting over the strange floating islands outside.
"It's… strange, but it feels safe here," she admitted, her voice a mix of relief and lingering awe.
Julian stood near the window, arms crossed, quietly observing the endless expanse beyond. "A temporary refuge," he murmured. "Not a home, but enough for now."
Haider waved enthusiastically before departing, leaving them alone in the quiet warmth of their room. For the first time since entering this bizarre and intoxicating realm, Annie allowed herself to relax, though a part of her mind remained alert.
After few minutes, Annie slowly rose from the chair, her body still tense from the strange events that had suddenly taken place in their life. As she turned to glance around the room more clearly, her eyes froze on the single bed that dominated the center of the room
"…Rael…" she murmured, her voice barely audible. "There's… only one bed."
Her gaze flicked away, trying to avoid meeting his, though Julian's knowing smirk suggested he had already noticed.
The bed was large, certainly wide enough for two, with soft, glowing mattress that seemed to give the impression of floating on a cloud.
Annie's heart began to race. She felt a flush creeping up her neck, across her chest, her whole body betraying her nerves. The clothing she wore now seemed suddenly too revealing, and the thought of lying in that bed with Julian—who was just as lewdly dressed—made her stomach twist in a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.
Julian, noticing her reaction, didn't comment immediately. Instead, he tilted his head and leaned back against the walls.
"You noticed," he said softly, almost teasingly. "I wondered how long it would take."
Annie's hands flew to her chest instinctively, though it did little to cover herself. "I… I didn't expect—" she stammered, struggling to find words. "I didn't think about… the bed."
Julian's smirk widened, and he took a small step closer. "Well, it's just a bed, Annie. No need to panic," he said lightly, though there was a teasing tone in his tone. "Are you worried about sleeping arrangements?"
Annie felt heat rush to her cheeks, the awkwardness immediately intensifying. She grabbed the edge of the chair beside her, biting her lip.
"I… I mean… well, it's just one bed…" she stammered, her gaze flitting nervously toward him.
Julian's grin widened, the kind of playful, teasing grin that made her heart skip a beat. "Ah, I see. No need to panic. I can sleep on the floor," he said casually.
Annie's eyes widened in protest, her cheeks flaming deeper. "No! No, Rael… I mean, we can share the bed! It's big enough," she said quickly, her words tumbling out in panic.
Julian chuckled lowly, his gaze teasing yet gentle. "Share the bed, huh?" he murmured. "You sound awfully… confident. And yet… I can feel that hesitation."
Annie huffed softly, trying to maintain composure. "I… I just… it's fine! It's big. We won't… I mean, there's enough space!" she insisted.
Julian raised a brow, enjoying her flustered state. "You're adorable when you get shy," he said softly. Then, after a pause, he added with a smirk, "Alright then, if you insist, we'll share the bed. But don't think I won't notice if you hog the blankets."
Annie's blush deepened, and she quickly turned to adjust the sheets. "Ridiculous…" she whispered to herself. "It's just… it's just a bed… but…"
With a nervous exhale, she climbed onto the bed, the mattress dipping softly beneath her weight.
She dared a fleeting glance at Rael—Julian—standing there by the window, his silhouette looking ethereal in the night light. The sight of him, confident even in his near-naked attire, sent another jolt of heat through her.
Quickly, she pulled the blanket over herself, cocooning her body up to her shoulders as if it could shield her from the strange feelings stirring inside her. Turning to her side, she faced the wall, trying to steady her breath, willing her heart to slow its frantic pace.