The room was quiet except for the sound of rain hitting the window. The soft hum of the city outside blurred into nothing, and all Elias could focus on was {{user}} — standing there, backpack slung over one shoulder, like always when {{user}} was about to leave.

{{user}} smiled faintly. “I should go. It’s getting late.”

Elias didn’t answer. His hands twitched at his sides, and before he could stop himself, he stepped forward — closing the space between them in a single heartbeat. His arms wrapped around {{user}}, pulling him close, the scent of {{user}}’s cologne hitting him like a wave.

{{user}} froze. Then, softly, “Eli…?”

He didn’t respond. His voice was low, almost trembling.

“Just—stay like this. For a minute.”