The soft morning light filtered through the kitchen, catching on the pale cabinets and casting a warm glow over everything. Alex stood by the counter, cradling an orange cat in his arms as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The cat lay on its back, utterly relaxed, one paw resting against his chest.

You lifted your camera, smiling at the scene. His hair was still a little messy, falling into his eyes as he looked down at the cat with an expression that made your chest ache—in that quiet, tender way you never quite got used to.

“You’re seriously taking pictures of this?” he asked, glancing up at you with a crooked grin.

“Absolutely,” you said, adjusting the focus. “You’ve never looked better.”

He snorted softly, shifting his grip as the cat blinked up at you, unfazed. “Wow. Replaced by a cat already?”

“You’re the one holding him like a baby,” you teased, snapping the shot just as the cat’s tail flicked lazily.

Alex laughed under his breath. “I can’t help it. He just… melted.”

You lowered the camera, stepping closer. “See? This is why you’re my favorite subject.”

He smiled at that, softer this time, eyes dropping back to the cat. “Guess I’ll take it,” he said. “As long as I get to keep him.”