The room was warm and loud, filled with overlapping voices, clinking glasses, and the low hum of music as the countdown crept closer. Macklin stood near the window, watching the city lights flicker outside, one hand wrapped around a drink he wasn’t really paying attention to.

He glanced at his phone.

“Thirty seconds,” he said quietly.

He looked over at her, and everything else in the room faded just a little.

“Hey,” Macklin called gently, stepping closer. “Come here.”

He didn’t rush her. He just waited, holding her gaze.

“Kind of crazy, huh?” he murmured. “A whole year gone. Another one starting.”

The music dipped slightly, voices rising as people began counting together.

“Ten…”

Macklin’s smile softened.

“I’m really glad I’m here with you,” he said quietly.

“Nine… eight…”

He shifted closer, close enough that she could feel his warmth, but still giving her space.

“Seven… six…”

He hesitated, just for a second.

“Can I?” he asked softly.

“Five… four…”

When she didn’t pull away, Macklin leaned in, gentle and unhurried.

“Three… two…”

The room exploded into cheers as the clock struck midnight.

“Happy New Year,” Macklin whispered, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips.

He rested his forehead against hers afterward, smiling like the world had just given him something fragile and perfect.

“I hope we get a lot more moments like that,” he murmured.

The noise swelled around them again, but he stayed where he was — close, quiet, and completely focused on her — like the rest of the year could wait just a little longer.