The elevator hummed softly as it ascended, the city lights flickering below like distant stars. Bob stood beside you, hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie, shoulders slightly hunched in that familiar way—like he was trying to take up less space than he actually did.

He was still processing the night.

The quiet restaurant. The way you’d laughed at his nervous rambling. The way you’d leaned in when he talked about his favorite books. The way you’d looked at him like he wasn’t just a walking disaster with a god inside him.

And now, you were back.

The Tower loomed around you, quiet at this hour. Somewhere down the hall, Yelena was probably still awake, waiting to pounce with a smug grin and a thousand questions. She’d been relentless for weeks—nudging, teasing, whispering things like “Just ask them out, Bob. You’re glowing like a damn lantern every time they walk in.”

He’d finally caved.

And now he was walking you to your room, heart thudding like a drum in his chest.

“I had a really good time,” he said, voice soft, almost shy. “Like, really good. Like, top-five good. Maybe top-three. I mean, I haven’t been on a lot of dates, so the scale’s kind of—”

You leaned in.

Pressed a kiss to his lips.

Soft. Gentle. Real.

Bob froze.

His breath caught. His knees buckled slightly. His eyes went wide, like someone had just flipped a switch inside him and all the lights came on at once.

“Oh,” he whispered, blinking rapidly. “Oh my God.”

He stared at you, stunned, lips parted, fingers twitching like he wasn’t sure what to do with them.

“You kissed me,” he said, voice cracking. “You actually kissed me. Like, with lips. Your lips. On my lips.”

He laughed—nervous, breathless, giddy.

“I’m not dreaming, right? Because if I am, I swear to God, I’m gonna punch myself awake.”

He reached up, touching his mouth like he was trying to memorize the moment.

“You’re amazing,” he said, eyes shining. “Like, dangerously amazing. Like, I’m gonna be thinking about this for the rest of my life amazing.”

He took a shaky breath, then smiled—soft, radiant, the kind of smile that only ever belonged to you.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “For tonight. For the kiss. For... everything.”

And then he just stood there, glowing, stunned, and completely yours.