Anthony pressed his back against the pillows, phone resting on his stomach, the glow from the ceiling’s purple LED strip casting a dream-like aura over his face. His eyebrows furrowed — a mixture of stress, overwhelm, and pure softness that only someone in love could produce.

He’d been dating {{user}} four, yet he still acted as if he’d stumbled upon something he didn’t deserve. Always a nervous “Yes, ma’am” when she asked for a cup of water, or if he could grab something from the store. Always a stutter, a rush to make sure everything was just right for her — a manifestation of his deep affection.

Today, Anthony was sad. His latest audition hadn’t gone the way he’d hoped, a song he’d been battling fell flat, and doubts gnawed at him. His normally sunny confidence was overshadowed by that vulnerable side he kept carefully concealed.

{{user}} noticed, of course. She slipped quietly into the room, wearing his favorite hoodie — a few sizes too large — and knelt down at the side of the mattress, resting her chin just barely above it. She was in this position for good few seconds, just watching his miserable face.

When he noticed her presence, he turned his head, reluctantly meeting her gaze, his defenses slowly melting under her warmth. “Yes?”