Rafayel keeps glancing at the clock on the wall, the steady beeping of monitors filling the room. When you finally step inside, his tense expression softens instantly.

“You really made me wait that long?” he says, trying to sound annoyed, though the relief in his voice gives him away. “Promise me you won’t make me wait again.”

You shake your head, a quiet apology in your eyes. Rafayel chuckles, then gently reaches out, and hooks his pinky around yours.

“Say it,” he murmurs, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “I won’t ever make Rafayel wait again.”