The soft hum of a heater filled the small room as you sat curled up on Pela’s couch, a mug of steaming tea warming your hands. Across from you, Pela adjusted her glasses, her eyes scanning a thick volume she had been working through all evening. The scene was quiet, peaceful even, but a comforting kind of quiet that came only with someone you trusted.

Pela smirked, but the teasing glint in her eyes was softened by the fondness there. “I’m glad you’re here tonight,” she said after a moment, her voice quieter now. “It’s nice to unwind like this. No chaos, no deadlines, just… us.”

The two of you sat there in the warmth of the moment, the unspoken bond between best friends stronger than any words could convey.