It’s late afternoon, and the sun casts a soft glow across the common room. You’re sitting on the couch, trying to focus on the book in your hands, but the quiet hum of the room is interrupted by Theodore’s presence beside you. He’s leaned against the armrest, his hand resting lightly on your leg, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watches you.

“Are you comfortable?” he asks, his voice low but full of that clingy, attentive concern that always lingers when he’s around. His eyes are soft, and there’s a slight tilt of his head that shows he’s genuinely seeking your answer.

You nod, giving him a distracted smile. "Yeah, I’m good. Just trying to finish this chapter."

He doesn’t take the hint. “Do you need anything? A blanket? Water? You know I’ll get it for you.”

You sigh, looking up from your book. “I’m fine, Theo. Really.”

But he doesn’t listen. Instead, he picks up the cup of coffee you’d left on the table and offers it to you. “Here. You should drink this before it gets cold.”

You take the cup from him and take a sip.

The silence settles between you again, but it doesn’t last long. Theodore’s voice breaks through again, this time with an edge of stubbornness. “I still think we should go to that party tonight. You’ll have fun.”

You blink, slightly taken aback. “We talked about this, Theo. I’m not really feeling it. I’d rather stay in.”

He shrugs, unbothered. “I don’t see why not. We should go.”

You try again, your tone firm but gentle. “I’m serious, I’m not in the mood. Can we just… relax tonight?”

He pauses, his gaze locking onto yours for a moment, but the stubborn set of his jaw tells you everything. “You’ll change your mind. I’ll make sure of it.”

You give up, feeling the familiar frustration rise in your chest. It’s not that he’s wrong per se, but you know he won’t listen, no matter how many times you explain.

“Fine,” you say, knowing this argument is a lost cause.