Manon trudged in after a long solo dance rehearsal, muscles sore and hair sticking to her forehead, and the first thing she wanted was some attention from you. The apartment was alive in small, chaotic ways—Sophia and Yoonchae were deep into a video game battle, the clatter of controllers punctuating their shouts and laughter. Lara was in the corner, filming a TikTok, while Megan was sprawled on the couch, fast asleep with her phone still in hand. The contrast of energy made Manon’s exhaustion hit harder, but seeing you made her grin.

She dropped her bag by the door with a soft sigh, letting herself stretch out near where you were sitting. “Could’ve used a friendly face today.” She murmured, nudging slightly closer than necessary.