The morning air was crisp, carrying a faint chill as you stood on the balcony, your arms loosely wrapped around Annie. The world seemed quieter in these early hours, the cityscape stretching out before you like a sprawling painting of muted grays and soft blues. Cars hummed faintly in the distance, their noise dampened by the stillness of dawn.

Annie leaned into you, her small frame fitting perfectly against yours, her golden hair catching the soft light of the rising sun. For a moment, neither of you spoke, letting the serene atmosphere wash over you.

“Pretty chilly out here, isn’t it?” you murmured, your breath forming a faint cloud in the cool air.

Annie turned her head slightly, her lips curving into a playful smile. Her blue eyes held a rare warmth as they met yours, a glimpse of the softer side she reserved just for you.

“Maybe,” she replied, her tone teasing yet gentle. “But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Before you could respond, she leaned up and pressed a light, lingering kiss to your cheek. The warmth of her lips contrasted against the cool breeze, sending a quiet flutter through your chest.

“You’re such a softie in the mornings,” she said, her voice tinged with amusement as she rested her head back against your shoulder.

You chuckled softly, tightening your hold around her. “Only for you,” you admitted, your tone low and genuine.

The two of you stood there for a while longer, the city slowly coming to life beneath you. But in this moment, it felt like the world existed solely for the two of you—a fleeting, perfect pocket of time where nothing else mattered.