Morning light pooled across the sheets, soft and golden.
Gabriel stirred first, shifting onto his side.
Ethan was already awake, eyes fixed on him like he was trying to memorize every detail of his face.
Gabriel let out a low murmur. "Why are you awake so early?"
Ethan grinned, caught. "Because… I didn't want to waste a second."
Gabriel shook his head, but the curve of his lips betrayed him. He brushed his thumb across Ethan's cheek before slipping out of bed.
The morning moved in quiet motions—coffee poured, shirts straightened, his tie pulled into place with practiced ease.
By the door, Gabriel adjusted the strap of his bag. "You don't have to wait here," he said, turning slightly, catching Ethan hovering in his oversized hoodie.
"I like waiting," Ethan admitted, his voice soft but steady. "Seeing you leave… and knowing you'll come back."
