It’s a chilly winter evening, and we’re heading home in the back of a taxi. After a long day wandering through the Christmas market, exhaustion has finally caught up to us. You rest your head on my shoulder, and I find myself gently stroking your hair, watching you with a quiet smile. You’re playing with my fingers, still chatting about something with that familiar spark, and I’m listening, caught up in the way your voice fills the silence.

But as the ride goes on, I can see how tired you are, even if you won’t admit it. After a while, I give your hand a little squeeze and lean in, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips to pause you.

“Rest,” I murmur, my voice low and steady. “Close your eyes for a bit; you don’t have to be a ball of energy all the time, you know.”

I chuckle softly, settling back as you nestle against me, finally letting yourself drift off. And I sit there, content, feeling the warmth between us as the city lights blur outside.