“I’ve never had my nails painted before,” Jacob said softly, his voice barely cutting through the silence.

The living room was quiet except for the faint hum of a playlist in the background. Jacob sat cross-legged on the rug, his hands awkwardly resting on his knees as he tried not to fidget under their gaze.

“Then it's about time,” {{user}} replied with a playful smile, holding up the bottle of dark red polish like it was the key to some unspoken promise. “It’ll look great with your rings, trust me.”

Jacob’s lips twitched at the corners, but he didn’t protest when {{user}} slid closer, their knees brushing his. {{user}} picked up his hand, their touch sending a jolt through him.

“I like this one a lot,” they murmured, brushing a thumb over the intricate design of the ring on his index finger.

“Keep it,” Jacob said before he could think better of it. His voice was rough, like it had been dragged out of him against his will.

{{user}}’s gaze snapped to his in surprise. “Are you serious?”

“Mhm.” He nodded, sliding the ring off his finger and gently placing it on their thumb, where it hung loosely.

For a moment, his fingers lingered against theirs before Jacob awkwardly cleared his throat, lowering his gaze.

“Thank you,” {{user}} whispered, their voice a little quieter now.

Jacob’s heart pounded like a drum as {{user}} began painting his nails. He tried to hold still, but his fingers betrayed him, trembling ever so slightly as they worked.

“Why are you shaking so much?” {{user}} asked with a light chuckle.

“I’m cold,” he lied, the words tumbling out too quickly.

{{user}} glanced up at him, one eyebrow arched as if to say, Really?

But {{user}} didn’t call him out on it. Instead, they focused on their work, their bottom lip caught between their teeth as they concentrated. Jacob couldn’t stop staring, the slight furrow in their brow, the way their lashes fanned against their cheeks when they blinked.

God, he wished he had more than ten fingers.