The first light of dawn spilled gently through Alex's window, painting the room in soft golden hues. He stirred beneath the warm blanket, and his eyes slowly opened to find Rena curled against his chest, her small body warm and peaceful. A faint, serene smile touched her lips, and Alex felt a pang of affection so strong it made his heart ache.
Gently, he brushed a strand of her green hair from her forehead. "Rena… it's morning," he whispered, careful not to break the fragile calm of the moment.
Rena stirred, her eyes opening slowly. Those crimson orbs met his, wide and luminous, and Alex's chest tightened with a strange, wonderful feeling. He gave a soft smile and, with the utmost care, slipped out from under her embrace, not wanting to wake her too abruptly.
Stretching, he padded barefoot to the bathroom, the cool wooden floor grounding him in the reality of the day. Warm water poured over his skin, washing away sleep and clearing his thoughts, but a sudden awareness prickled at the back of his neck.
He froze, heart hammering, and turned. Rena hovered there, quietly observing him, her expression calm but unmistakably expectant.
"R-Rena?! What are you doing here?" he stammered, wrapping a towel hastily around his waist, cheeks burning.
Then it came—not spoken aloud, but inside his mind, soft and melodic, as if the voice itself were made of sunlight and wind.
"Master… I wanted to bathe with you."
Alex blinked, disbelief warring with amazement. "That… that was your voice? Rena… did you just speak to me?"
She nodded, a small, cheerful smile lighting her features, and her eyes sparkled with a joy that made his chest ache.
The shock faded, replaced by awe and a warmth that spread through him. "You can… talk to me telepathically now? That's incredible!"
Rena giggled, a sound like tinkling bells, playful and light, and Alex felt his lips curve into a smile. He shook his head, half in embarrassment, half in wonder. "Alright… alright. You can stay. But let's finish quickly, okay?"
After their bath, Alex dressed himself and helped Rena gently dry her soft, green hair. She wriggled in his hands, small fingers tugging playfully at his towel. The quiet intimacy of the moment—so domestic, so ordinary—felt extraordinary.
"I'm going to make breakfast," he said finally, trying to sound firm but soft. "You can rest while I prepare it."
But her voice chimed again in his mind, full of determination.
"No, Master! I want to help you cook!"
Alex groaned, scratching the back of his head, cheeks tinged with red. "Alright… alright. But don't burn anything, okay?"
The kitchen became a scene of gentle chaos. Rena floated ingredients with her psychic powers, small vegetables spinning in the air before settling neatly on the counter. She handed him utensils, nudged pots, and occasionally peeked over his shoulder with bright, expectant eyes. Alex did most of the actual cooking, but her presence transformed the ordinary task into something magical.
When the meal was finally ready, they sat at the table together. Sunlight streamed across the dishes, casting a warm glow on everything it touched. Alex took a bite, and a slow, blissful smile spread across his face. The simple breakfast, ordinary in any other life, felt like a feast shared with the most precious companion he could ever have.
Rena floated over and curled onto his chest, small body warm and soft, letting out a contented hum. Alex's hand went automatically to her head, stroking the silky green hair.
"You really are something special, Rena," he whispered, voice low and full of emotion.
She nuzzled closer, her tiny form vibrating with quiet happiness. And in that peaceful, golden morning, Alex felt a sense of home deeper than anything he had ever known.