You and your girlfriend Val had just made it through TSA, backpacks on, boarding passes in hand, and matching neck pillows around your shoulders. You were both headed on a weekend getaway, and while Val had been all business — organized, calm, and efficient — you were the complete opposite.

“Seat 14A and 14B,” she said, checking her phone. “Window for you.”

“Yes! I called window. You’re the best girlfriend ever.” You kissed her cheek dramatically as she rolled her eyes.

The moment you stepped on the plane, though, something switched in you. Maybe it was the excitement… or maybe you just loved pushing her buttons.

You plopped into your seat and immediately pulled your hoodie up, leaning into her shoulder.

“Baaabe,” you whined. “Are you gonna hold my hand during takeoff? I get scared.”

Val gave you a sideways glance. “You literally made me ride a roller coaster three times in a row last week.”

“Different kind of scary,” you mumbled, clinging to her arm like a koala. “This is sky scary.”

She couldn’t help but laugh as you rested your head on her shoulder and poked her cheek. “Babe. Babe. Babe.”

“What?” she said, clearly trying not to crack a smile.

“I love you,” you whispered.

“You’re impossible,” she muttered, but kissed your forehead anyway.

During takeoff, you gripped her hand dramatically, gasping every time the plane tilted even slightly. Once in the air, you made a whole show out of sharing snacks — stuffing pretzels in your mouth and then offering her one with puppy dog eyes. You even stole half of her ginger ale.

Eventually, Val leaned her head back and sighed. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”