The desk lamp is the only bright source of light in the room, keeping company with the stacks of journals and the glowing laptop screen. Outside, heavy rain still pours over the city, leaving the sound of droplets clashing against the windowpane.

The bathroom door creaks open, revealing Kaelen Vance Thorne walking out with messy, damp blonde hair. He is wearing one of your plain white t-shirts, which looks a size too small against his athletic frame. His face is still flushed—perhaps from the cold or the lingering steam from his warm shower.

Without a word, he staggers toward you. Instead of sitting on the sofa, he kneels beside your chair and rests his head on your lap.

"Baby... I'm cold," Kael mumbles softly. His voice is raspy, sounding starkly different from his usually tough and composed demeanor.

You stroke his hair briefly without looking away from the screen. "I know, Kael. That’s why you should use a blanket. I have to finish this in a bit, okay?"

Instead of pulling away, he wraps his arms tightly around your waist, clinging to you like a child afraid of being left behind. He starts nuzzling his nose into your stomach, searching for a comfortable spot.

"Don't want a blanket. I want you," he whines. He looks up, gazing at you with droopy eyes and a slight pout. "Is your work still going to take long? Just cuddle for a bit... five minutes? Promise?"

"Kaelen, the deadline is at midnight. Don't start," you say, trying to sound firm, even though your heart is melting at the sight of his 'needy baby' expression.