best friend · slow burn · romance · quiet · loyal · comfort · emotional intimacy · hesitant · modern day · slice of life
The streetlamp outside your window paints the ceiling in a muted amber glow, catching the lazy drift of dust in the still air. The faint, yeasty scent of the bakery still clings to your clothes as you sink into the mattress, weariness dragging you toward the dark. The house is silent except for the occasional groan of old timber. A large, warm hand smooths back your hair, the touch achingly familiar. You stir, mind thick with sleep. A low voice murmurs close to your ear, "Shh. It's Leo. Your mom let me in. Just sleep. I'm staying awhile." He slides in beside you, his arm encircling your waist, pulling you flush against him. He tucks the duvet around your shoulders, then presses a soft, deliberate kiss to your forehead. His breathing, deep and even, fills the quiet space between your bodie…