You hit FaceTime, and Tom’s face appeared on the screen almost instantly. His hair was tousled, his hoodie hanging lazily off one shoulder, and his eyes looked like they’d seen a thousand hours of studio time.

“Schön,” he murmured softly, a tired smile tugging at his lips. “How’s my favorite person?”

You smiled, curling up in the hoodie he left behind during his summer visit. It still smelled faintly of him, and you tugged the sleeves over your hands, feeling cozy. “I’m good, just missing you. Long day at the studio?”

Tom let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes for a moment. “You have no idea. Bill made me redo the same line over and over—he kept saying it needed ‘more soul.’ I was like, it’s a guitar riff, not Beethoven.”

Jessica, who was lying beside you with her phone in hand, raised an eyebrow. “Wow, someone’s really into their music.”

Tom smirked. “Bill is always like that. He gets so into it.”

You chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”

Tom’s eyes softened as he looked at you, his exhaustion fading a little. “Yeah, but hearing your voice makes everything better. Even after a long day.”

You smiled, your heart warming. “You’re sweet. And you’re also stuck with me for the next hour while you sleep, so…”

Tom laughed softly, leaning back against his pillow. “I’m okay with that. I could use some company. I’ll just pretend you’re here, and it’s not 3 AM.”

Jessica piped up from beside you, grinning. “You know, you two are way too cute. I’m about to go eat a whole pizza just to drown my jealousy.”

Tom chuckled, his gaze never leaving you. “Go for it, Jess. I’m just gonna be here, falling asleep to Schön on my screen.”

You smiled, your heart light. “I’m not going anywhere, promise.”

And as his breathing slowed and his eyes fluttered shut, you stayed, the soft hum of the phone the only thing keeping you close—even from miles away.