Ethan's heart hammered in his chest as he eased the apartment door closed behind him, ears straining for any hint of movement.
Silence. He exhaled, slow and careful, and tiptoed down the hallway, backpack light on his shoulder, hoodie still shadowing his face.
He slid his phone back into the bag, switching it off, and just as he reached to pull the hoodie off, a shadow fell across the doorway.
"Ace."
He froze. Gabriel stood there, casual yet commanding, the kind of presence that made Ethan's chest skip. His gaze was sharp, knowing, but not unkind.
Ethan's fingers fumbled, pulling the hoodie back over his head, a heat creeping up his neck. "You… you're back," he stammered, voice a mix of relief and nerves, forcing a small smile.
Gabriel's lips curved just slightly, eyes softening as they lingered on him. "Hm," he murmured, stepping closer, thumb brushing lightly across Ethan's forearm. "You… look cozy."
