the insistent knocking pulled {{user}} from a light sleep. she glanced at the digital clock on her nightstand: 2:17 am. who could that be? she mumbled a sleepy, "coming," and shuffled to the door, pulling her silk robe tighter around her.

through the peephole, she saw him. nakoa. his tall frame filled the doorway, the familiar tattoos on his muscular arms just visible beneath the sleeves of his dark t-shirt. his expression was unreadable in the dim hallway light.

she unlatched the door. "nakoa? what's wrong?"

he didn't say anything, just stepped inside, his presence filling her small apartment. the scent of sandalwood and something uniquely him followed him in. he closed the door softly behind him.

"hey," he finally murmured, his voice a low rumble. he ran a hand through his short, curly hair.

{{user}}'s heart did a little flutter. even rumpled and tired, he was undeniably handsome. the diamond stud in his ear glinted in the faint light filtering from her living room.

"hey," she replied, her voice still thick with sleep. "everything okay?"

he shrugged, his broad shoulders moving slightly. "couldn't sleep."

she knew what that meant. sometimes, in the quiet of the night, the distance between their apartments felt too far. the unspoken understanding of their relationship hung in the air.

she reached out and gently touched his arm. his skin was warm beneath her fingertips. "come here," she whispered, leading him towards her bedroom.