Sophia wasn’t the easiest person to read. She joked when things got serious, changed the subject when emotions got too close to the surface. Most people never got past her walls—but you weren’t most people. Still, it wasn’t until you were both a few drinks in that she ever really let you in.

It was just the two of you tonight, lights dim, music low, the sharp edge of the world dulled by the warmth in your chest. You were leaning against her shoulder, laughing about something stupid, when her voice softened.

“I hate how quiet my apartment feels when you’re not there.” She said suddenly, eyes not meeting yours.

You turned to her, surprised. “What?”

She blinked slowly, lips parted like she wasn’t sure she’d actually said it aloud. “I mean it. You make everything feel…less heavy.”