We're not that different after all

12. But what if I want to?

The first rays of dawn filtered through the floor-to-ceiling window of the penthouse, casting a bright light on the two laying bodies.

Nika stirred awake slowly, feeling the comforting warmth of Karaia beside her. The night had been filled with intimacy and unstated feelings. Nika smiled to herself at the thought of the night before, as she laid there, she felt the need to make the morning a bit more special.

She carefully got up from the bed, very mindful not to wake Karaia. She shivered at the cool touch of the marble floor under her feet.

As she prepared breakfast in the kitchen, she took in the view of the city waking up below. That was what she liked the most about Karaia's apartment, the views. Nika pulled out some fresh fruits, sliced them neatly, and arranged them on a plate artistically. She poured some homemade lemonade that was in the fridge onto two glasses, and also toasted some whole-grain bread, spreading a thin layer of almond butter on top, and laid out some scrambled eggs with a sprinkle of spinach and a touch of cheese.

She glanced over at the living room, where toki sat peacefully watching her cook. With the breakfast tray ready, Nika returned to the bedroom, followed by a wiggly tailed Toki. She placed the tray on the nightstand and gently calling Karaia.

"I made breakfast for you" she gently whispered.

Karaia blinked awake, her eyes slowly focusing on the tray, she gave a sleepy smile, "You didn't have to"

"I wanted to," Nika replied with a grin. "We both know how important it is to fuel up, especially after a long night"

Karaia acted as if she didn't hear what Nika just said and sat up slowly, moving with a relaxed ease that fit the unhurried morning. The soft morning light highlighted her skin, making her seem almost ethereal.  Nika watched her with a subtle intensity, trying to keep her gaze casual, but the truth was, she could hardly tear her eyes away.

Toki, sensed Karaia's wakefulness, padded over to the bed, her tail wagging gently as she rested her head on her lap, looking up at her with adoration. Karaia smiled down at her, leaned in and placed a kiss on her head. She stole a glance at Nika, catching her in the act of watching her as well. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Karaia felt her heart skip a beat. She quickly looked away, focusing back on Toki.

They began eating shortly after, the quiet clinks of forks and the sounds of contented munching filled the room. The food was delicious, but Karaia couldn't taste it. Her thoughts were tangled up in the way Nika's eyes lingered on her, the way her voice softened whenever she spoke to her.

Their conversation was easy, as it always was, but there was something deeper underneath. They talked about their plans for the day—a relaxed rest day after a week of games and a trip. But every time Nika smiled or Karaia laughed, it felt like there was something unsaid between them.

The city stretched out beneath them, the view expansive and breathtaking, but neither of them was really focused on it. Instead, they were both hyper-aware of each other—of the closeness between them, of the way their knees brushed under the covers, sending a jolt of electricity through the both of them. Nika's fingers were only inches from Karaia's, and the temptation to close that gap, to take her hand and hold it tight, was almost overwhelming.

Nika caught herself staring at Karaia's lips more than once, wondering what it would be to lean in and kiss her again, just like the night before—how natural and right it had felt. The warmth of their touches, made her want to lean in and kiss her again. But now, she held back. She didn't want to push too hard or risk scaring Karaia away, not realizing that Karaia was dealing with the same mix of emotions.