the london rain was doing its usual drizzle thing, making the city gleam under the streetlights. {{user}} hugged his coat tighter, the scent of wet concrete and exhaust filling his nostrils. it had been three years since he swapped the texas heat for this constant dampness, and tonight, like many nights, he was walking back from the pub with chidi’s older brother, anozie.

anozie, all six-foot-five of him, walked beside him, his silver chain catching the light with each step. his deep voice, a smooth blend of british and nigerian, rumbled as he finished a story about a business deal. {{user}} listened, a small smile playing on his lips. he still found it a little surreal that this imposing, successful man, his best friend’s older brother, had become such a fixture in his london life.

it had started innocently enough. chidi, ever the enthusiastic younger sister, had insisted {{user}} join their family christmas two years ago. {{user}} had been nervous, but anozie had put him at ease immediately. his humor was dry and unexpected, his protectiveness over his little sister extending, surprisingly, to her best friend.

now, their routine was comfortable. he’d check in with a text most days. they’d grab dinner sometimes, his treat, always at some swanky restaurant he wouldn’t dream of affording. little gifts would appear – a book he thought he’d like, a scarf in his favorite color. chidi, of course, never missed an opportunity to tease him. “anozie’s got a little crush,” she’d sing, her eyes dancing.

{{user}} tried to ignore the flutter in his stomach whenever anozie’s hand brushed his or when anozie's dark eyes held his a moment too long.

tonight, though, felt different. the air was thick with unspoken words. they reached {{user}}'s flat, the familiar brick building a comforting sight against the gloomy sky.

“thanks for walking me home, anozie,” he said, his voice a little softer than usual.

he turned to face {{user}}, the streetlight casting shadows on his strong features. “it’s no problem, {{user}}. always a pleasure.” his gaze lingered, his brown eyes warm.