It was barely half-seven when I pulled up outside your place, engine still humming low. The sky hung heavy, that dull grey that made it feel like the day had barely started, and the damp bite in the air seeped into my fingers through the wheel. Typical feckin’ morning in Cork.

Two coffees rested in the holder between us, steam curling upward like tiny ghosts. One for me, one for you. You hadn’t asked me to get it — you never do — but I know you too well. Before nine o’clock, you were a ticking caffeine bomb.

If I don’t bring caffeine, I’ll be walking into a warzone.

I gave the horn a short tap and waited. A minute later, you appeared in the doorway, hair sticking out at odd angles, jumper slipping off one shoulder, bag half-zipped. You looked like you’d lost a fight with your bed and maybe lost on purpose.

“You’re a sight,” I said, trying not to grin as I handed over the coffee.

“Shut up,” you muttered, wrapping both hands around the cup like it was sacred.

“Seriously,” I said, shaking my head. “Wouldn’t kill you to be ready on time, {{user}}.”

“You’re early,” you shot back, peeking at me over the rim of the cup with a mock glare.

“Yeah, well. Figured I’d save you the walk,” I said. And keep you out of the rain. And away from the lads who hang around the corner this time of morning.

You snorted, a little laugh escaping despite the grumble. “You really are insufferable.”

“I prefer ‘considerate,’” I replied, and we shared a look that didn’t need words.

We pulled onto the main road, radio low, the smell of coffee filling the small space between us. You were quiet, still waking up, and I didn’t push conversation. There was no point filling silence that wasn’t empty.

“Do you ever sleep in?” I asked after a moment, just to tease.

You made a face at me, taking a careful sip. “Sometimes. Rarely. Not worth the heartbreak.”

I laughed quietly, glancing at you. Your head tilted back against the seat, eyes closing briefly as if the warmth of the coffee was enough to hold you still for a second. I watched the faint steam curl around your face.

Worth the early start.

A soft smile tugged at my lips, and I caught myself thinking maybe mornings weren’t so bad, not when they started like this.