Noelle's POV
Noelle had closed her eyes as she lay down on the couch, curled slightly against Ren's chest. He adjusted a blanket around them, careful to keep her warm and comfortable. She tried to tuck the blankets around her like a cocoon, an armour. His arms remained wrapped around her, holding her gently, almost protectively.
She tried to relax but sleep didn't come easily. Every small noise outside made her flinch. She murmured in her half-sleep consciousness, tossing slightly, her fingers clutching at Ren's shirt.
Ren stroked her hair and rubbed her back in slow, soothing circles. "Shh… it's okay," he murmured softly, his voice low and steady. "I'm right here. You're safe."
Noelle's breathing was uneven but the warmth of his embrace calmed her enough that she didn't wake fully. Every so often, she would stir, curl tighter against him and then relax again when she felt his steady heartbeat beneath her ear.
Hours passed, and her sleep remained fitful with fragments of nightmares and anxious thoughts drifting through her mind but Ren didn't leave. He stayed by her side, coddling her quietly, letting her cling to him, offering silent reassurance without demanding any explanation.
That night, Noelle curled up in Ren's arms, her body still tense from the day's events. Sleep came in fits and starts, interrupted by nightmares and lingering anxiety.
In a groggy haze, she murmured and moved, half-awake, half-dreaming. At one point, her lips brushed against Ren's shoulder and she instinctively nipped him, caught in the confusion of her sleep.
Ren felt it, flinched slightly, but immediately realised she wasn't conscious. He held her closer, careful not to startle her, murmuring softly, "It's okay… I've got you."
Noelle shifted in his arms again, still half-asleep, leaving faint love bites along his collarbone as she subconsciously sought comfort. Ren chuckled quietly, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple, careful not to wake her fully. "You're safe… always," he whispered.
When she finally woke, her cheeks flushed and eyes wide with embarrassment, Ren was smiling softly, brushing her hair back. "You were just… really tired," he said warmly. "I didn't mind."
Noelle sighed, leaning against him, feeling safe despite the awkwardness. "I don't know why I act like that in my sleep," she murmured.
Ren kissed the top of her head. "It's fine. You're tired, stressed… and safe now. That's what matters."
She relaxed into him again, letting herself finally rest, comforted by his presence and gentle patience.
By morning, her body was exhausted but there was a fragile sense of safety she hadn't known for days. For tonight, at least, she had been allowed to be scared and vulnerable, and someone had been there to hold her through it.
By mid-morning, Noelle stirred, her body still tired from the fitful sleep in Ren's arms. She rubbed her eyes and sat up slowly, feeling the lingering comfort of having someone so steady nearby. She also realised that he's moved her from the couch to his bed in the middle of the night while she's asleep.
"I should probably head home," she murmured, though the thought made her stomach tighten.
Ren rose immediately, concern flashing across his face. "I'll take you," he said simply. "Noelle… I don't want you to be alone."
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. The idea of facing the world outside alone made her chest tighten with anxiety. With Ren by her side, she felt safer, even if the fear wasn't completely gone.
They stepped outside into the crisp morning air. Noelle walked close to him, unconsciously brushing against his arm, drawing comfort from his presence. Every footstep felt lighter with him beside her, his quiet confidence and steady pace a silent shield against her lingering unease.
Ren glanced at her as they walked, torn between wanting to give her space and the gnawing worry that she wasn't ready to be alone yet. The faint tremor in her hands and the faraway look in her eyes made him hesitate. He didn't want to smother her, but the thought of leaving her like this unsettled him deeply. Still, he told himself he'd stay only as long as she needed, just enough to be sure she was safe.
"You okay?" Ren asked gently, glancing at her.
"I… yeah," she replied, though her voice was soft. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, the tension easing now that he was with her. "I just… feel safer with you here."
Ren gave her hand a light squeeze, wordless reassurance. "Good," he said. "I'll stay until you're safely inside."
As they approached her building, Noelle's pulse began to calm. Having Ren there made her feel grounded, like a fragile barrier between her and the fears chasing her from yesterday. She didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but for now, having someone by her side made all the difference. When they reached her door, she paused, looking up at him. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible but full of relief.
Ren smiled, his eyes warm. "Always. I've got you," he said, before finally letting her step inside.
Noelle closed the door behind her, but the sense of safety lingered. Even with everything still unresolved, she knew that, at least for this moment, she wasn't completely alone.
Noelle lingered at her apartment door, hesitating before unlocking it. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, but she ignored it. She glanced back at Ren, then leaned slightly closer, lowering her voice.
"Would… would you maybe stay here tonight?" she asked quietly, almost as if saying it aloud made it too real.
Ren looked at her closely. There was something in her eyes with a mixture of fear and pleading that told him this wasn't just a casual request. "Noelle… are you okay?" he asked gently, probing but careful not to push. "Is something going on?"
She shook her head quickly, forcing a small, shaky smile. "No… I'm fine. I just… I didn't want to be alone."
Ren's brow furrowed, concern deepening. He didn't press, sensing she wasn't ready, but he didn't step back either. He simply stayed close, giving her the space to speak while making sure she felt protected.
The day passed slowly, Noelle trying to distract herself with work, meals, and small chores, but the anxiety gnawed at her. Messages she feared might come from Ethan sat unread in her inbox. She missed the comfort of Ren nearby, yet couldn't admit how paralyzed her fear had become.
By evening, she could no longer hold back. She sat on the edge of her bed, phone trembling in her hands. Tears spilled over before she could stop them. The sobs shook her body, raw and uncontrolled.
Ren was at her side in an instant, kneeling gently beside her. He didn't speak, didn't try to rush her words. He just let her cry, holding her hands, his presence solid and unwavering.