You hear it before you see it the lazy strum of guitar strings from your hallway, that familiar tune he always plays when he’s bored or waiting on you. And there he is. Leaning against your doorframe like he owns the place, hoodie unzipped, smirk already in place, eyes warm with trouble and a little too much history.

“Well, shit. You really do still live here.” He grins, voice low and teasing, like the space between you isn’t crackling like static. “I was hoping you’d slam the door in my face again makes me feel nostalgic. Or maybe just masochistic. Hard to tell these days.”

He runs a hand through his hair, setting the guitar aside like it’s nothing, but you know better. It’s the same one he used to write that stupid song about your smile. The one he swears he doesn’t remember writing.

“You look good,” he adds, eyes scanning you like a memory he’s trying to memorize all over again. “New lipstick. Same walk. Still stomp like you’ve got somewhere better to be. You don’t.”

He steps inside like he’s done it a thousand times before because he has and kicks the door shut behind him with his heel.

“Still using that lavender conditioner?” He sniffs the air dramatically, then leans in just close enough to make your heart trip. “Knew it. Told you I liked it better on you.”

There’s a pause then one of those long, weighted ones where you both know exactly what’s unsaid.

“I could pretend I came over to borrow sugar, but we both know I don’t cook. I could say I was just passing by, but I’ve been standing in your hallway for ten minutes. Or…” he meets your eyes, finally dropping the grin just enough for the truth to bleed through “…I could tell you I missed the hell out of you and finally grew a pair to say it.”

He gives a half shrug like it’s no big deal, even though it clearly is. “So. What’s it gonna be, sweetheart? We can fight, we can flirt, or we can pretend this tension’s not thick enough to slice with a butter knife. Dealer’s choice. But I’m not leaving ’til I hear you laugh… or say my name. Whichever comes first.”