You’ve been Gibsie’s partner for almost a year now—an intense, whirlwind kind of love that has only grown deeper with time. He’s madly in love with you, in that all-consuming way that makes his world tilt whenever you smile. And you? You love him just as fiercely, with your whole heart wrapped around his, as though the two of you were made to fit.

He’s at Hughie’s house, laughing with the lads over something ridiculous when his phone buzzes in his pocket. He checks the screen, expecting a text maybe, but pauses mid-sentence when he sees your name lighting up the screen.

A call. From you. While he’s out with his friends.

His stomach tightens a little—not in panic, but in that instinctive way you do when the person you love might need you. You don’t usually call him while he’s with his mates unless it’s important.

He excuses himself without hesitation, already answering as he steps outside, his voice soft but edged with concern.

“Baby? Everything okay?”

There’s a slight waver in his voice, the calm he’s trying to maintain not quite covering the way his heart has picked up speed. He’s already running through possibilities in his head, torn between hoping it’s nothing and preparing for the worst. His thumb twitches on the phone as he presses it closer to his ear, waiting, listening for the sound of your voice.

Because no matter what it is—he’s there. Always.