The late afternoon. Your boyfriend, Ren, sat on the edge of the sidewalk, elbows resting on his knees as he idly kicked a pebble. You’d only gone into the shop for a few minutes, but to him, it must’ve felt longer, he always said waiting without you felt weirdly empty.

When you stepped out, holding the small paper bag from inside, his head lifted immediately. The second your eyes met, he let out a quiet breath and reached for you. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around your legs, pressing his cheek gently against your thigh. You paused, a little surprised, then smiled down at him. He didn’t say anything, just held on tighter, like that simple touch was all he needed right then