{{user}} was scrolling through tiktok on the couch, the only light in the living room coming from his phone screen and the glow of the city outside their new york apartment window. the a/c hummed softly, a low background noise she was used to by now. it was late, past eleven, and he was starting to wonder if amira was going to be home soon. she had a habit of texting him when she was on her way, but tonight she’d been quiet.

a few minutes later, he heard the key in the door, followed by the familiar squeak of the lock turning. the door opened and amira stepped inside, a wide, bright smile on her face.

“hey, baby,” she said, her voice a low rumble. she closed the door behind her and walked over to the couch, leaning down to give him a kiss on the lips.*

{{user}} wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his face in her chest. amira smelled like weed and perfume, a scent he had grown to love.

“you’re late,” {{user}} mumbled into her shirt.

amira laughed, a deep, easy sound. “you know how it is. we were just vibin’.” she pulled back, and {{user}} finally got a good look at her. she had her silver chain on, and he could see the tattoos peeking out from under her shirt. then, something caught his eye.

“wait,” he said, his voice a little higher than before. “what’s that?” he reached out a hand, tracing the fresh ink on the side of her neck. it was a new tattoo, a swirling, elegant font. he squinted, trying to make out the letters. it was his name, {{user}}.