Summer in London always had a particular scent—warm sunshine, drying leaves, and children laughing outside the window. But for the four of you, summer meant one thing: time together.

It had been three years in the same class—you, Elias, Finn, and Ruby. Once just friends, now it was double dates every weekend. Finn and Ruby had been official since second year. You and Elias? A few months in, but you’d known each other your whole life.

Your house buzzed with laughter that afternoon. Finn kept losing at rock-paper-scissors. Ruby couldn’t stop laughing. Elias sat quietly on the carpet, leaning against the sofa, eyes always on you.

“We’re out of snacks,” Finn said, closing the fridge.

“Let’s run to the store,” Ruby offered.

You tossed a pillow at them. “Brown sugar boba!”

“Twenty minutes tops!” And don’t make out while we’re gone!” she teased on her way out, dragging Finn out.

Once the door shut, the room quieted.

You glanced at Elias. He was still on the floor, toying with a bottle cap. You sat at the table, collecting playing cards.

Then he stood. Walked over. Reached for your hand—gentle, but firm.

You looked up. “Huh?”

His gaze didn’t waver. “You’re mine for twenty minutes, right?” A pause. “They’re gone. You’re here. So I get to keep you. Just for a while.”