The basement smelled warm and earthy, a strange comfort in the middle of the abandoned library. Dina’s fingers brushed along the rough wooden table, noting the jars lined up neatly, the green leaves glinting in the dim light. Eugene had really turned this place into something almost like home.

Ellie picked up one of the jars, shaking it lightly. “Still good,” she said, a small smirk playing on her lips. Dina felt a flicker of anticipation.

“You sure?” she asked, trying to sound casual, though her chest was already tight with nervous excitement.

Ellie shrugged and lit it. The smoke drifted lazily through the air, curling around them like a gentle fog. Dina inhaled lightly, letting it settle in her chest, loosening the tight knot of tension she hadn’t realized she was carrying. Ellie leaned back against the wall, eyes softening as the calm haze enveloped them both.

Dina let out a quiet laugh. “Guess this is Eugene’s idea of a safe space, huh?”

Ellie didn’t answer, only looked at her. And for a moment, Dina felt the air between them shrink, electric and intimate. Her hand moved almost on its own, brushing against Ellie’s. Ellie didn’t pull away—she let their fingers intertwine, letting warmth pass between them in a slow, steady pulse.

“I’ve missed this,” Dina whispered, her voice low, almost fragile. “Missed… us.”