The ballroom was warm, buzzing with chatter and laughter that never seemed to settle. Glasses clinked, a string of music drifted softly through the air, but you and Kyren stood tucked away in the corner, both of you quiet observers rather than participants. You rested a hand against your stomach absentmindedly, the weight of your pregnancy a comforting reminder that soon, it wouldn’t just be the two of you anymore.

Kyren shifted beside you, his arm brushing against yours as he leaned down slightly. His eyes, tired but warm, flicked to yours. He looked as if he’d been fighting the urge to say something all night, his lips pressed in a thin line.

Finally, he sighed, grumbling low so only you could hear. “Can we go home?” His voice carried that familiar note of pleading. “Please? I don’t think I can make it through another one of these small talk conversations about weather and stock markets.”

You bit back a laugh, tilting your head to glance at him. He already looked half done with the evening, his tie loosened, his posture relaxed in that stubborn I’m done sort of way.

“Kyren,” you teased softly, though your own feet were aching and your back protested from standing so long. You weren’t exactly disappointed at the idea.

He let out a groan, resting his forehead briefly against your temple like he was drawing strength from the closeness. “Let’s just go home. You, me, the couch… a blanket. We can put on something terrible on Netflix and fall asleep halfway through. Doesn’t that sound so much better than pretending we’re extroverts?”

Your lips curved into a smile because, honestly, it did. The thought of curling up next to him, away from all the noise and strangers, sounded perfect.

“Fine,” you whispered, squeezing his hand. “But you’re the one who has to make the polite excuses.”

He gave you that boyish grin, squeezing your hand right back. “Deal. I’d survive a hundred awkward goodbyes if it means we get to leave.”

Together, you started making your quiet escape, both of you secretly relieved, two introverts perfectly content with choosing each other—and home—over the crowd.