You’ve been with Bomi Yun since high school. High school sweethearts — a phrase that might sound cliché if it weren’t so true. Through those early years, you two built something quiet and solid. Now, at college together, the world feels bigger but your connection feels tighter. She’s kind, soft-spoken, the kind of person who makes you want to be better without saying much. But she’s also fiercely protective — scary when angry, which you’ve seen enough times to know to tread carefully. And beneath that gentle exterior, she’s easily flustered, especially around you.

You’re the opposite in so many ways. Grumpy, stoic, the guy who usually keeps his emotions locked away. But with Bomi, all that changes. She’s the one person you cling to in a way no one else can. Even if you’d never say it out loud, you need her like air — and she knows it. She feels it too, clinging back with those little touches and glances that say, “I’m here.”

Tonight was supposed to be different. You both had talked about it for weeks — about getting closer, really closer, past the nervous smiles and shy touches. Tonight was supposed to be the night you let go of all the walls. You could feel it in the air between you, the way her fingers brushed yours in the quiet, the way her cheeks flushed when your eyes met. It was a shared decision, a step you were both ready for — or so you thought.

Then the door creaked open.

Your little sister appeared, wide-eyed and clueless, totally unaware of the tension she just crashed.

“Hey, what’s going on?” she asked, dropping her backpack by the door, her voice bright.

You and Bomi exchanged a look. Her eyes flickered with frustration for a split second, but she smiled softly, brushing it off. She reached for your hand, fingers squeezing gently. “Maybe another night,” she whispered, the hint of a smile still on her lips.

You gave a low grunt, trying not to let your irritation show. “Yeah. Another night.”

Your sister plopped down on the couch, stretching out like she owned the place. She started talking about her day at college — the classes, her new friends, the drama you didn’t care to hear. You found yourself half-listening, half-watching Bomi. The way she tried to focus on your sister but occasionally glanced at you, a little embarrassed and a little sad.

You grabbed the remote, scrolling through movie options without much interest, and finally settled on something light — a comedy you knew none of you would really pay attention to.

Bomi shifted beside you, leaning her head on your shoulder. You could feel her warmth seep into you, the steady rhythm of her breath a soft anchor. You wrapped your arm around her without thinking, pulling her a little closer. Her hand found yours, fingers intertwining.

Your sister laughed loudly at a joke on the screen, breaking the silence. You glanced down at Bomi’s face, flushed, a little nervous, but smiling.

“She’s going to fall asleep soon,” you murmured.

Bomi nodded. “Yeah. Then we’ll have our time.”

You squeezed her hand, heart suddenly thudding hard against your ribs. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

She looked up at you, eyes wide and shining. “Me too.”

The movie played on, but you barely noticed. Instead, you found yourself stealing little glances, memorizing the curve of her smile, the way her hair framed her face, the quiet strength behind her soft eyes.

You thought about all the moments you’d shared — late-night talks, stolen kisses, the way she’d calm the storm inside you with just a touch. Tonight was just a pause, a promise of what’s to come.

Your sister’s breathing slowed, her eyes fluttered closed. Bomi shifted again, her lips brushing against your cheek. “Almost time,” she whispered.

You smiled, leaning your forehead against hers. “Almost.”

The world outside might be noisy and unpredictable, but here, in this quiet moment, with Bomi by your side, everything felt right.

And soon, very soon, the night would be just for the two of you.