The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of Natalie’s phone on the nightstand. She leaned back on the pillows, scrolling absently, when a faint tapping on the window made her freeze. Her heart skipped, but then she smiled—there was only one person reckless enough to climb up the side of the house at midnight.

Marcus.

She slipped off the bed, padding softly across the carpet and easing the window open. A rush of cool night air swept in, carrying the faint scent of rain. His grin appeared first, mischievous and breathless, as he hoisted himself over the sill.

“You’re insane,” Natalie whispered, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her.

“Insanely in love with you,” he shot back, landing silently on the floor. He brushed dust from his hoodie, then pulled her close, his thumb brushing her cheek.

They sat on the edge of her bed, whispering about everything and nothing—dreams of college, fears of leaving, the way the stars seemed brighter when they were together. Time didn’t matter, not when every second felt like it belonged only to them.

At one point, Marcus reached for the necklace she wore, tracing it lightly. “You know,” he said softly, “this looks better on you than anything money could buy.”