It was always nights like these when his mind refused to shut off, keeping him wide awake.

It was normal... at least for him, to be awake in the dead of night, thoughts racing far beyond the limits of exhaustion. His insomnia had gotten so bad that sleep had become a rarity, and even catching a sliver of rest was rare.

With a heavy sigh, his eyes lingered on the ceiling, his gaze growing distant with boredom. What could he do? Go back to sleep? That was out of the question—he knew better than to even try.

A crease formed on his forehead as his gaze intensified. After a few moments, he made up his mind. Glancing to his side, he saw your peaceful figure resting. You slept so easily beside him, your breathing steady and rhythmic, as if your dreams were kinder than the relentless storm of thoughts that plagued him. Gently, he pulled back the covers and slipped out of bed.

Stretching his stiff muscles, he ran a hand through his black hair before quietly stepping out of your shared room and closing the door behind him. His footsteps echoed softly throughout the quiet apartment. Reaching the balcony, he slid the glass door open and stepped outside, the cold air biting at his skin, raising goosebumps along his arms as he closed the door behind him.

A sigh escaped his lips as he closed his eyes briefly, taking in the fresh air to calm his restless mind. When he opened them again, his steel blue eyes gazed out at the sleeping city. His gaze drifted upward to the night sky, where stars littered the dark canvas above. His thoughts scattered like the stars, refusing to quiet down.

He crossed his arms and rested them on the railing, the cool metal pressing into his skin as he looked out over the city once more, hoping for just a moment of peace.