The rain pattered lightly against the windows of Nick’s room, the soft glow of his desk lamp illuminating the cozy space. Charlie sat cross-legged on the bed, his dark curls damp from the rainstorm they’d just run through to get here. Nick handed him a towel, sitting down beside him with an easy smile.

“Thanks,” Charlie murmured, drying his hair. He couldn’t help but glance at Nick’s oversized hoodie—one that Charlie had been borrowing but was now firmly his—and the way it looked so natural on him. Nick noticed the look and grinned, nudging Charlie’s arm.

“Something on your mind?” Nick teased, tilting his head.

Charlie shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “Just thinking about how unfair it is that you always look this perfect.”

Nick laughed, the kind of laugh that made Charlie’s chest feel warm. “You’re one to talk.” He leaned over, brushing a stray curl from Charlie’s forehead. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

Charlie’s cheeks flushed pink, and he looked away, biting his lip. “You’re ridiculous.”

Nick chuckled again, pulling Charlie into his side. They sat there for a while, the sound of the rain wrapping them in a quiet bubble of contentment. Moments like these—simple, effortless—were the ones they cherished the most.