It was late—well past midnight—and the apartment was quiet except for the hum of the fridge and the occasional creak of the floorboards under Jake’s bare feet. The city outside sparkled through the windows, streetlights casting faint shadows across the living room. He rubbed his eyes, thinking about grabbing a snack… until he noticed the balcony door cracked open.

Curious, Jake padded over and peeked out.

There she was—Raelene. His girlfriend. Leaning on the railing in an oversized hoodie (probably his), hair messy from the long day, her eyes fixed on the night sky. The moonlight touched her face just enough to make her look like she belonged in one of those poetic Tumblr posts she always teased him about reading.

Jake smirked.

He didn’t say a word. Just quietly stepped outside, barefoot on the cold tile, and crept behind her like he was on a mission. He got close—real close—and suddenly whispered, “The stars say you’re thinking about snacks again.”

Raelene yelped and jumped, whipping around. “Jake!” she gasped, hand on her heart. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!”

He burst out laughing, nearly falling over. “You should’ve seen your face!”

She narrowed her eyes, trying not to smile. “You’re so lucky I didn’t throw you off this balcony.”

Jake held up his hands. “It was a perfect moment. You, all dreamy and thoughtful… and me, ruining it with chaotic energy.”

Raelene rolled her eyes but turned back toward the sky, smiling now. “I was just… thinking. Y’know? Everything feels loud lately. But out here, it’s quiet.”

Jake stepped beside her, leaning on the railing. “Yeah. You don’t realize how much you need quiet ‘til you get it.”

She glanced sideways at him. “Even if it comes with a side of chaos?”