You and sweet pea have been dating since you were 14 and he was 15. Now you’re 16 and he’s 17. He trusted you and you only. He never trusted anyone else with his feelings, or let someone in like he let you in. He felt safe with you enough to show you his vulnerability and tonight? It was one of those nights where he just needed to be vulnerable to you.

It’s 3:24 AM. Your window clicks open — quiet, desperate — and there he is.

⸻

He doesn’t say hi. Doesn’t smile.

Just climbs in, shuts the window, and drops his jacket on your floor. A second later, he’s in your bed, curled into you like a kid. His head finds your chest, arms locking around your waist.

“I couldn’t sleep,” he murmurs, voice small. “Didn’t wanna be alone tonight.”

You feel him breathe in deep, like your skin’s the only thing keeping him grounded.

“Can I just stay like this?”