The living room was dim, the only light coming from the flicker of the TV screen as the horror movie started. You shifted uncomfortably beside Oliver, not thrilled about the idea of spending the weekend watching ghosts and monsters, but everyone was talking about this film, and he had asked so calmly that you couldn’t say no.

Oliver sat beside you, as composed as ever, his expression unchanged as the eerie music started playing. Your nerves tightened with each creak and shadow on the screen. Then, the first ghost appeared, and you tensed.

Without a word, Oliver’s hand slipped into yours, his fingers intertwining with yours gently. He didn’t look at you, didn’t say anything. He just held your hand, a subtle act of reassurance in the middle of all the chaos on screen.