Tee Higgins leaned against the kitchen counter, grinning like a kid caught in mischief. “Okay, hear me out,” he said, holding up a paintbrush that already had more color on his fingers than the canvas. “We don’t need a plan. Just… art. Whatever comes out comes out.”

He set the brush down and crouched slightly to grab a small jar of water, accidentally spilling a little onto the table. “Oops,” he muttered with a sheepish grin. “It’s fine. Totally fine. Adds character, right?”

Tee sat cross-legged on the floor, carefully examining your canvas. “Wow… you’re actually kind of good at this,” he said softly, eyes lighting up with genuine admiration. “I… I’m impressed.”

He reached over slightly, brushing a stray streak of paint off your hand, his touch gentle. “Here,” he whispered, holding a brush for you. “Try this color. I think it’ll look perfect with what you already did.”

A soft laugh escaped him as he dipped a brush into bright red paint and flicked it accidentally, a tiny splatter landing on the floor. “Uh… sorry,” he said, shaking his head, but his eyes crinkled in amusement. “I can’t help it. I’m a mess.”

Tee leaned back, shoulders brushing yours as he studied his own chaotic canvas. “You know what?” he murmured, voice quieter now. “I don’t care what it looks like in the end. I just… like doing this. Doing it with you. Makes everything better.”

He nudged you gently with his shoulder, soft smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah… this is perfect. Messy, chaotic, colorful… and just… us.”

The apartment smelled faintly of paint and something sweet from earlier snacks, the soft hum of music in the background, and Tee stayed right there: playful, warm, and entirely present, making the ordinary feel like a little world of your own.