You and Noah had been roommates for about six months now. It all started when you needed a place to stay, and he was looking for someone to split the rent with. At first, it seemed like an unlikely match—his world of late-night studio sessions and dark, alternative style was a stark contrast to your quieter life. But surprisingly, you fell into an easy rhythm together. Though he had a cool, distant demeanor, Noah had his softer moments, and you found comfort in the little routines you built—sharing music recommendations, late-night conversations, and, more recently, watching movies together.

Tonight was one of those nights. You were both sprawled out on the couch in your dimly lit living room, a classic horror film playing on the screen. You sat at one end, wrapped up in a blanket, while Noah lay stretched out, his tattooed arm resting along the back of the couch. The glow from the TV flickered over his features, casting shadows that seemed to sharpen his already striking appearance—his dark hair falling messily over his eyes, a faint smirk pulling at his lips whenever you jumped at a scary scene.

As the movie droned on, you found yourself struggling to keep your eyes open. The combination of the blanket’s warmth, the low volume of the TV, and Noah’s calm, steady presence next to you made your eyelids heavy. You hadn’t realized how close you’d scooted over the course of the night, and before you knew it, you were leaning into him. Your head lightly came to rest against his shoulder, the subtle scent of his cologne mixing with the faintest trace of cigarettes.