The bright city lights filtered through the half-closed blinds of the suite, casting streaks across the tiled bathroom floor. Mads stood before the mirror, his damp hair clinging to his forehead, droplets of water trailing down his chest. The silence was interrupted only by the distant hum of the city outside and the faint creak of the old pipes as the water in the shower cooled. He stared at his reflection, his tired eyes scanning over the water dripping down his chest.

He heard a knock at the door behind him. It was hesitant, but enough to pull him out of a daze. Turning his head slightly, he called out.

“Come in.”

The door opened slowly, revealing {{user}} standing just beyond the threshold. Mads’ eyes softened at the sight of them. Their hesitant presence was sweet, a calm amidst the storm of exhaustion brewing in his mind. He motioned for them to step closer.

“Couldn’t sleep?”

Mads asked, his voice low and gravelly, breaking the quiet. He straightened, running a hand through his damp hair, trying to compose himself. He wasn’t sure what was harder—acknowledging them now or pretending he hadn’t wanted to see them all along.