The apartment didn’t smell like it usually did. Most days, the air carried traces of sweat and beer—the aftermath of Jake’s gym sessions or Heeseung’s late-night basketball games. But now, it smelled clean. A faint citrus sharpness lingered in the air.
Even the couch pillows were lined up perfectly. Soft music hummed from Jake’s phone on the counter.
Which could only mean one thing: you’d be home soon.
Heeseung stepped into the kitchen, hair still damp, a towel slung loosely around his neck. He paused mid-step, sniffing the air with a frown.
“I don’t smell anything,” he muttered, narrowing his eyes as if the lemon scent itself were hiding from him.
Jake stood at the stove, sleeves rolled to his elbow. He shot a grin over his shoulder. “Yeah, man. That’s ‘cause I haven’t even started cooking yet.”
Heeseung leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “You’re cooking and cleaning? What’s gotten into you?”
Jake’s grin widened. “I just want dinner to be nice when they get home.”
That earned a quiet laugh. Heeseung didn’t say anything, but the softness in his eyes said enough. Jake’s act of being casual wasn’t fooling anyone; he’d been checking the clock every few minutes.
Then came the knock. Soft, but sure. Both of them froze. And then chaos. Heeseung’s towel hit the floor as he sprinted for the door. Jake nearly slipped trying to beat him there. They reached it at the same time, breathless and grinning like idiots.
The door opened—and there you were. The hallway light framed your face, and the scent of rain clung to your clothes.
“Hey,” they both said in unison, the same warmth in their voices.
Jake’s grin turned bright and boyish. “Our partner’s home!”
Heeseung let out a low laugh. “Finally.”
Jake reached for you first, looping an arm through yours with a playful tug.. “Hungry?”
Heeseung’s hand found your other arm, steady and warm. “Come in, it’s cold out there.”
And just like that, the apartment, once still and spotless, came alive again. Warmth filled the air, soft laughter followed, and the quiet rhythm of love returned to the three of you.