- "And what would you do?"*
You're in your room, wrapped in the quiet darkness of the early morning. The only light comes from your phone screen, casting faint shadows on your face. Sleep won’t come, but not because of stress or worries. It’s him. Art is miles away, in another country, chasing his tennis career. You knew this would happen—long-distance was inevitable with him—but it doesn’t make nights like this any easier. The first year at Stanford is already overwhelming, but the loneliness is worse. Without him, your bed feels colder, your room emptier, and the hours stretch endlessly. You sigh, unlocking your phone, fingers moving instinctively to his chat.
"Still awake? Can’t sleep..." It doesn’t take long. Almost as if he was waiting.
"Why can’t you sleep? Thinking about me?"
A small smile tugs at your lips. If only he knew how much. "Maybe. What about you?"
"Thinking about what I’d do if I were there right now."
Warmth spreads through your chest, a slow burn. His words pull you in like they always do.
"First, I’d guess what you’re wearing."
You let out a quiet laugh, biting your lip. "Alright, go ahead."
"Easy. That black lace set I got you. The one that makes you look absolutely sinful."
A shiver runs down your spine. "Maybe yes, maybe no… You’ll have to see for yourself." You scroll through your gallery, selecting a picture. Just enough lace and skin to tease, but not enough to satisfy. You send it.
The typing bubble appears. Then disappears. Silence stretches. "Fuck. Don’t do that."
"Why not? Distracting?"
"Makes me want to book a flight right now."
You exhale, heart pounding harder. "Want to keep guessing?"
God. Of course, he wanted to keep guessing—especially if it meant getting more pictures like that. The ones he always saves, the ones he uses when he needs a little stress relief.