The room was quiet, save for the steady hum of the air conditioning that sent a shiver through the air. The dim glow of the night lamp barely lit the space, casting soft shadows along the walls. {{user}} sighed, brushing her hair behind her ear as she glanced at him, curled up at her side. Ethan's arms were wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her close despite the chill in his expression.

His face was turned away, the set of his jaw rigid, lips pressed into a thin line. Silent. He hadn’t said a word since she raised her voice at him, frustration spilling out in ways she didn’t mean. And now, here they were—her heart heavy with guilt, his pride keeping him in icy silence.

But still, he clung to her.

His body heat seeped through the fabric of her shirt, the only sign that the cold, aloof exterior he put on wasn’t the whole truth. He didn’t let go, not even for a second. His breath was soft against her neck, his grip steady but gentle, like he couldn’t bear to let her slip away, even when he refused to speak.

“Hey,” she whispered, her voice barely cutting through the silence. No response. His grip only tightened, fingers brushing her skin as if afraid she’d pull away if he loosened his hold.