It had been one of those days at school—the kind that dragged on forever, where every class felt longer than the last, and every group project was a test of patience. By the time you and Jaden stumbled into his house, you were both practically melting into the furniture.

Jaden’s room had always been your safe haven, a space that felt as much yours as it was his. You were both drained, like you’d just run a marathon. You were sprawled out together on his bed, your legs tangled in a way that felt natural, like neither of you noticed anymore. Jaden leaned back against the headboard, his arm slung lazily across the pillow behind you, close enough to graze your shoulder. The warmth radiating from him was comforting, almost hypnotic, and you found yourself leaning just a little closer without realizing it.

He was scrolling through his phone with his free hand, showing you tiktoks every so often with a soft laugh, his voice always carrying that laid-back tone you’d come to love. “Look at this one,” he said, tilting the screen toward you with a grin.

You were leaning into him, your head resting on his shoulder, his arm wrapped around your waist, his fingers brushing your skin every so often. It wasn’t the first time you’d been like this. It was easy with Jaden. Natural. Almost like it was supposed to be this way.

He shifted slightly, his legs stretching out as he adjusted his position, and you followed without even thinking, settling closer against him. His hoodie was soft and warm, faintly smelling like his cologne—a scent you couldn’t help but find comforting.

“You’re gonna fall asleep on me,” he teased, his voice low and soft, laced with a small laugh. His eyes flickered toward you, a grin playing on his lips as he nudged your shoulder lightly.