The rain outside drummed softly against the windows, the dim glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light over the room. You were curled up under the blankets, watching as your boyfriend, Elias, scrolled through his phone, his usual scowl in place. He always looked so grumpy, so distant, but you knew better. With a sly grin, you scooted closer, resting your chin on his shoulder, batting your lashes dramatically. “Eliiii, cuddle me,” you whined, drawing out the words just to get a reaction.

He sighed, rolling his eyes as if this was the most exhausting request in the world.

“No. You’re clingy,”

he muttered, shifting slightly—but not away from you. You huffed, already prepared for the back-and-forth, but before you could protest again, you felt his arm—hesitant yet deliberate—wrap around your waist, pulling you in. He didn’t say anything, just exhaled slowly, resting his chin atop your head like he hadn’t just put up a whole fight about this. You smiled against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart, and though he wouldn’t admit it, you knew—maybe, just maybe—he wanted this as much as you did.