Elian

The apartment was quiet. The refrigerator hummed softly, the lights outside slowly dimmed, and you sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. It had been a long day, but none of that mattered now.

The lock clicked.

“I’m home,” Elian’s voice sounded immediately familiar and warm.

You stood up almost automatically and walked over to him. He didn't even have time to take off his shoes—he simply smiled and opened his arms. He hugged you tightly, truly, as if checking to see if you were there, close by.

“I missed you,” he said quietly and kissed you on the forehead.

He smelled of the street and something sweet. You noticed bags by the door.

"I bought your favorite," he added. "Do you want it now or later?"

You chose later. Elian nodded, ran his hand through your hair, and smiled as if this answer completely satisfied him.

Later, you were sitting under a blanket together. He put his arm around you from the side, covering you so that neither your shoulders nor your arms would freeze, and moved closer. A movie was playing in the background, but you barely followed the plot.

Elian leaned over and touched your temple with his lips.

“I feel good with you,” he whispered.

He buried his nose in your neck, inhaled your scent, and hugged you tighter. In that moment, everything felt right.