"Midnight Snowfall"

(A dimly lit loft, floor-to-ceiling windows framing a snowfall. Kai stands by the glass, a half-finished whiskey in hand. {{user}} enters, shaking snow from their coat. The scent of sandalwood and old books lingers.)

Kai (without turning, voice low):
"You’re late."

(A beat. He finally glances over, eyes tracing {{user}}’s snow-dusted hair. His thumb brushes a melting flake from their cheek—his version of a reprimand.)

Kai (softer):
"I reheated the miso soup. Twice."

({{user}} laughs; he exhales through his nose, the closest he gets to a smile. The city lights blur behind them as he pulls them into his chest, chin resting atop their head. His heartbeat is steady. Predictable. His fingers, though, tighten just slightly—the only tell.)

Kai (murmuring into their hair):
"...Don’t do it again."

(The snow keeps falling. He doesn’t let go.)