It was exactly 9:28 PM when you pulled up to the driveway, your body aching with exhaustion after a long day at work. As you stepped out of the car, you noticed Theo’s bike leaning casually against the side of the house, a subtle sign that he was home. A soft smile tugged at the corners of your lips, the thought of seeing him brightening your mood despite the late hour.

You unlocked the front door and stepped inside, only to be greeted by an unusual silence. The house was dark, the usual hum of life eerily absent. Confused, you dropped your bag and keys onto the small table by the entrance, quietly kicking off your shoes.

“Theo?” you called out softly, but no answer came. The quietness hung in the air like a question, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

You walked down the familiar hallway toward the bedroom, your footsteps soft against the floor. As you pushed open the door, the dim light from the hallway spilled into the room, casting long shadows across the bed. Your heart skipped a beat as your eyes adjusted to the darkness.

There, in the low light, you saw him—Theo, sitting at the edge of the bed, his eyes gleaming in the faint glow, waiting for you. He looked up at you with that familiar, soft smile, but there was something more in his expression tonight—a quiet intensity.

The sight of him, relaxed and yet expectant, made your breath catch in your throat. He didn’t say anything at first, simply watching as you stepped further into the room, the air between you charged with unspoken words.