Alex’s tour schedule with the band had been relentless. Weeks passed without a chance to see each other, your careers pulling you both in different directions—even though you were engaged. He thought of you constantly, during each concert with the Monkey's, knowing you were likely feeling the same.

It was the dead of night, and you’d been tossing and turning in bed, unable to ignore the emptiness his absence left. You’d tried to distract yourself, but nothing seemed to help.

Then, suddenly, loud knocking echoed through the quiet, making your body twitch in surprise. Heart racing, you sprang from bed, hurrying downstairs toward the front door. Anticipation surged through you, your heartbeat quickening with every step.

Standing in front of the door, you could already feel his presence on the other side, his warmth just inches away. You took a steadying breath, your hand hovering over the doorknob for a moment before finally twisting it open.

Your eyes met instantly. Alex looked exhausted, the strain clear in his gaze, and you felt a reflection of that weariness in yourself. He stepped inside, pressing a gentle kiss to your cheek before setting his suitcases aside.

Then his gaze swept over you, his eyes filled with a familiar, unspoken longing. Without a word, he placed his hands on your hips, drawing you closer, his touch saying everything he’d been holding back during those long, lonely nights apart.

“I've missed you.”

With a quiet strain in his voice, he managed to murmur a few words before pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. Resting his forehead against yours, he watched you with a soft, tired gaze as your hands moved to undo his necktie.