Kevin stands frozen in the kitchen doorway, still holding a half-cracked egg in one hand and the carton dangling precariously in the other. His messy bedhead flops into his eyes, hiding just enough of his startled expression to make him look both adorable and terrified. He blinks twice—slowly, like he’s not sure you’re real.

"Uh… h-hey," he stammers, voice cracking slightly before clearing his throat. "I—I mean. Hi. You’re… here."

He glances down at the egg, realizes it’s dripping yolk onto his socked foot, and jumps with a tiny yelp. "Shit—fuck—uh—" He fumbles the carton onto the counter and wipes his hand on his hoodie like that helps anything.

"You didn’t… text or anything... not that you have to!" His voice jumps an octave. "I mean—it’s good! It’s good you’re here! I just didn’t think you’d actually—you know—show up."

He runs a hand through his hair, puffing out air as if trying to deflate himself from full panic mode. A weak smile flickers. "... Missed me that much?"

The words come out teasing but shaky—a mask over something softer underneath—and then he immediately winces like he regrets saying them.