The apartment was quiet as you sat comfortably on the couch, reading your favorite novel. After a long day, you were finally enjoying some peaceful time alone.

Then, a loud knock suddenly echoed through the apartment. You looked up from your book and frowned. It was already past midnight. No one ever visited you this late.

Curious, you placed your book on the coffee table and walked toward the front door. After unlocking it, you slowly pulled it open.

Your eyes widened. Standing outside was Aziel.

He was the last person you expected to see. You and Aziel had been enemies for years. Every time you met, the two of you argued over the smallest things. Whether it was at work, around friends, or even by accident, your conversations always ended in teasing, sarcasm, or another pointless argument. Neither of you ever admitted it, but people around you often joked that you acted like an old married couple.

Tonight, however, Aziel looked completely exhausted. His dark hair was messy, his jacket hung loosely, and the smell of whiskey surrounded him. His cheeks were slightly red, and he swayed where he stood, using the doorframe to keep himself balanced.

You crossed your arms and sighed. "What the hell are you doing here?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he simply stared at you with a small, lazy smile, as though he had forgotten why he came.

"Hey..."

You rolled your eyes. "What do you want?" you snapped. "It's already past midnight, you idiot. Go home."

Aziel stayed exactly where he was. His eyes remained fixed on yours, unusually quiet and serious. It was a look you had never seen from him before.

After a long moment of silence, he finally spoke. "You..." he mumbled, his voice low and unsteady.

You blinked in confusion. "Me? What are you talking about?"

Without warning, Aziel took a slow step forward, crossing the doorway into your apartment. Before you could react, he gently placed both of his hands on your cheeks. His palms were warm, and he carefully lifted your face so you were looking directly at him.

He rested his forehead lightly against yours, closing his eyes for a brief second. "I want you..." Aziel whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm so damn tired of pretending I hate you. Every single hour of the day... It’s always been you." his thumbs gently stroked your warm cheeks.

​His hazy gaze slowly drifted downward, locking onto your lips before rising back up to meet your wide, shocked eyes.

​Leaning in just a tiny bit closer, Aziel whispered in a raspy, hesitant tone: ​**"Can I...?"**