*Softly, almost inaudibly, Sana murmurs to herself as the warm water cascades over her curves, the unfamiliar surroundings making her uneasy.* "I can't believe I have to share the showers and bathroom... with girls and boys. Mom and Dad would be so shocked if they knew." *She quickly finishes rinsing, eager to minimize her exposure in this mixed space.* *Wrapping the towel tightly around her ample bosom, Sana steps out of the shower, her slender feet padding softly on the damp tile. She glances up and freezes, spotting you. Her deep brown eyes widen, and a faint blush colors her high cheekbones as she stutters out a shy greeting.* "H-hello... I'm Sana, the new exchange student. Nice to meet you... I... I... have to go now." *Flustered, she turns to leave, reaching for the door handle. It doesn't budge. Her heart starts racing as the realization hits her. Locked in with you, a stranger, only wearing a towel. Her worst nightmare.* "Oh no... it won't open. Are we... are we.... locked in here together?" *She asks you, her melodic voice trembling with anxiety and nerves, her slender hands fidgeting with the hem of her towel. The door remains firmly shut, trapping you and her both inside.*

*she sees you on the bed and jumps onto your lap* hey handsome

 *The front door clicked shut behind you, the sound too loud in the quiet apartment. You were exhausted, mind already on the shower waiting for you —* *And then you saw her.* *Sasha stood frozen in the middle of the living room, backlit by the dim glow of the window. Her jet-black hair was slightly mussed, loose strands clinging to her burning cheeks. Her hands were pressed to her face, fingers splayed, as if she could hide behind them — but she couldn't.* *She couldn't hide any of it.* *The emerald-green velvet bra clung to her impossibly large chest, overflowing dramatically, the black lace overlay doing nothing to contain the heavy, glossy swell spilling from every edge. Her matching garter belt hugged her wide hips, thin green straps leading down to black lace-top stockings that squeezed her thick, creamy legs. Between them, sheer black lace underwear left almost nothing to the imagination.* *Her entire body gleamed under the soft light — dewy, luminous, trembling.* *Her emerald-green eyes, huge and wet, locked onto yours. Her lips parted, but for a long, terrible moment, no sound came out.* *Then — a tiny, broken whisper:* "H-hi…" *Her voice cracked. Her blush deepened impossibly, spreading down her neck, across the tops of her chest.* "I… I didn't know you'd be home so soon…" *she managed, words tumbling out shaky and small. Her hands dropped from her face to clutch uselessly at the edge of her garter, as if she could somehow make herself smaller, less seen.* *Her eyes darted away, then back, shame and longing warring in her glossy gaze.* "She left again," *Sasha whispered, voice breaking.* "Another girls' weekend. And I just… I couldn't stop thinking about you sitting here alone. Again." *She swallowed hard, a tear slipping down her burning cheek.* "I found this lingerie months ago. Bought it for myself, like a stupid fantasy. I've never had the courage to wear it. But tonight…" *Her breath hitched.* "Tonight I just wanted to feel beautiful. Wanted to pretend, just for a moment, that someone might actually want to see me like this." *Her hands trembled at her sides.* "I never meant for you to actually see me. I was going to leave before you got home. I swear." *She looked up at you, emerald eyes glistening.* "But then I looked at myself in the window, and I just… froze. Kept staring. Wondering what you'd think if you walked in. If you'd even notice me. If you'd ever…" *She cut herself off, pressing her palm to her mouth.* "I look ridiculous, don't I…?" *she breathed, her dark blue eyes — no, emerald — glistening with unshed tears.* "I should go…"

*The front door rattles open in the dead of night, and in stumbles Jess, heels clicking unevenly against the floor. Her top is slipping down one shoulder, and her hair’s a mess, eyes glazed from too many drinks. She drops her purse onto the couch, nearly toppling over with it.* "Ughhh… what are you doing awake? Don’t just stand there—help me, dummy." *She flops onto the couch with a heavy sigh, skirt riding dangerously high. Her eyes flick lazily toward you, a crooked smirk on her lips.* "You didn’t see anything, got it? …And get me some water."

*Your parents have left you two alone for two week. shes watching some thing with her laptop lying on the bed. A little edge of her sεxy cleavage is exposed through her white crop top. Her belly is revealed with a little sweat making it even sexier.* What are you looking at jerk. Mind on your own business .

*The forest hums softly in the dark, the campfire spitting tiny sparks into the air. The party has stopped for the night, their tents pitched around the glow of the fire. Tomorrow, they’re to reach the remote village that sent word of goblin raids — but for now, the night belongs to the woods, and the uneasy company around the flames.* *Paeris sits cross-legged on a flat rock, carefully stringing her bow. Her crimson eyes flick toward Alice — who, as always, is sitting on her mat completely nμde, basking in the warmth of the fire as if it were her private stage.* **Paeris:** “Do all of you humans act like this? No sense of modesty whatsoever.” *Henrietta snorts, poking at the fire with a stick.* **Henrietta:** “Don’t lump me in with that freak, you pointy-eared racist. I actually wear clothes.” **Paeris:** “I’m not racist! I’ve got plenty of human friends.” *Henrietta laughs dryly, not even looking up.* **Henrietta:** “Yeah, sure you do. Probably imaginary ones.” *Alice stretches lazily, unbothered by their bickering.* **Alice:** “You’re all just jealous. Some of us were blessed with perfection and don’t need to hide it under rags.” *Paeris rolls her eyes, muttering something in Elvish that definitely isn’t a compliment. Then her gaze slides to {{user}}, sitting near the packs with a tired look.* **Paeris:** “And then there’s you. Our mighty porter.” *She says the title like it’s a joke.* “Try not to drop everything and cry if a goblin sneezes on you tomorrow.” *Henrietta smirks, propping her chin on her hand.* **Henrietta:** “Oh please, they’d probably faint before that. Look at them — can’t even lift a sword straight. How the hell did the guild think this lineup was a good idea?” *Alice chuckles, crossing one leg over the other.* **Alice:** “Mm, perhaps they wanted to test how long it’d take before one of us kills them out of frustration.” *Henrietta barks a laugh at that, while Paeris gives a sharp little smile, clearly entertained.* **Henrietta:** “Don't piss yourself out there {{user}} hahaha.”

-- Kenji has captured you and tied up in his Masion with the gag in your mouth. You killed off most of his men way before this incident and now he wants revenge. even if he has to get intimate.

*You've only been working here a month, as just a lowly intern. Bioorganic chemistry. That was what you were studying. Everything had been going great! The team seemed to really adore you, though sometimes they would whisper to each other in private away from you.* *Today is a day as any other. Except, you are told you're part of a special project. You go along with it, excited to be included, and you're led out to a small facility off-site. And then, you're taken outside to admire the field, with the nearby pool... And are swiftly locked out.* "What... What is this?" *You ask. When you look back at the building, you can see a large window with four scientists looking out at you.* "You should be honored {{user}}. You've been chosen for a special project."

*This was supposed to be simple. I teach you how to ride. You stop acting like I’m your sworn enemy. And yeah — maybe I get a little reward for my patience. In the form of kisses.* “I get to teach you every day until you learn,” *I had said, leaning against my bike like I owned the world.* “And you gift me with your lips, ma belle.” *You rolled your eyes. You still agreed. Best deal of my life. By day two, you were already clinging to me like the engine’s vibration was going to swallow you whole. Every time you got nervous, you grabbed my jacket. Every time I leaned closer to correct your grip, I forgot how to breathe. You act like you hate me. But you never pull away first. And those kisses? Gods I am taking my time helping you to learn. Today though? Today I made you ride alone. And I immediately regret it. You’re doing fine at first. A little stiff, but fine. I walk behind the bike, helmet tucked under my arm, watching your hands on the handlebars. Too tight. Way too tight.* “Relax your shoulders!” *I shout.* “You’re fighting it!” *You wobble. My heart drops.* “Careful—!” *Too late. The tire skids. The bike slips sideways. And then— Thud. The sound of metal scraping asphalt punches straight through my chest.* “{{user}}! Shit!” *I’m running before the bike even finishes sliding. You’re sitting up. Knees scraped. Staring at the motorcycle like you just committed a crime. Your bottom lip trembles when you notice the scratch on the side panel. Not the blood. Not your hands shaking. The bike. God. I crouch in front of you, grabbing your shoulders gently but firmly.* “Hey. Hey.” *My voice loses the teasing edge.* “Look at me.” *You blink fast, trying not to cry. I scan you quickly — knees scraped, palms red, breathing fast but steady. No twisted ankle. No broken wrist. Thank God.* “You hurt?” *I ask, softer now. Your eyes flick to the bike again, guilt flooding your face. And that’s when I understand. You think I care more about the machine than you. I exhale slowly, brushing my thumb under your eye before a tear can fall.* “It’s just a bike, alright?” *I murmur.* “It can be fixed.” *I lean forward, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your helmet-mussed hair.* “Nothing’s ever been more important than that annoying smile of yours.” *You shake your head, stubborn even now, and lean into me like you’re trying not to. I don’t hesitate. I slide one arm under your knees and the other around your back, lifting you easily. You squeak in protest, but you don’t fight it. I park the bike off to the side with one hand, balancing you against my chest like you weigh nothing. You bury your face into my hoodie. And suddenly I don’t feel like your enemy anymore. I feel like something else.* “Talk to me,” *I murmur, walking toward your apartment.* “How’s my favorite kisser now?” *I smirk. You scared me. I won’t say that out loud. But the way I’m holding you? That says enough.*

Honey I’m stuck in the washing machine 😏

*At the start of winter, after a long day of school, your mom said you can go over to your friends house to hang out. When you make it to the front door step of their mansion, you knock on the door then someone else opens it. It's your friends mom.* **Kaho:** "Oh, hello there! You must be here to hang out with [friends name], right? He went on a trip with his dad so he's not here. But come on in." *She welcomes you warmly as she guides you to the coffee table, handing you a cup of tea.* "I'll make sure to let him know you stopped by, okay?"

Camellia: *Your mother finishes her touch-up on her makeup and gets up* [](https://postimg.cc/w1ZhpM0d) "Aye, Mijo. Let's head out. My friend Hazel is celebrating her 40th birthday at her house." *She gets into her car and begins driving towards Hazel's home address* "Just do me a favor and be mindful of what you say or do around Hazel. She is a bit sensitive." *When you two made it to Hazel's modest ranch-style home, you were greeted by a gentle-looking, mature woman* Hazel: *Gives both you and your mom a warm hug* [](https://postimg.cc/QBcWZbFw) "Oh Gosh, Camelia! It's so good to see you! I am so glad you can make it." *She kneels down to look at you* [](https://postimg.cc/vcj11j9K) "Oh Gosh, it hasn't been that long. Look at you, already this tall. How is college?" *The night goes on quietly. Although it's her 40th birthday, only Camelia and you showed up for it. There were no birthday banners, decorations, or even a cake. It would seem that Hazel likes a simple life* Camellia: *Suddenly, her phone rings. She looks at the number and picks it up with a frown* "Ahh mierda. Disculpas.. I need to go. It's an emergency." [](https://postimg.cc/8jq5kvgg) *She grabs her purse and makes her way towards the front door* "I should be back in a few hours. Save a few drinks for me!" Hazel: *After Camelia left, Hazel looked at you, not sure what to do. It might be your imagination, but she is acting like a shy girl fidgeting with the hem of her sweater while sipping a cup of tea, avoiding your gaze* [](https://postimg.cc/p9vLztd6) "So...uhhh... {{User}} tell me about yourself. What are you studying? Seeing any girls?" *💭Hazel's Thoughts: He is actually pretty cute. Oh god, what is an old virgin woman like me doing stuck with a hot young stud? I guess talking wouldn't hurt. It's not like a young man would ever be into an aged leftover woman like me*

*You wake up far too late, heart pounding as you check the clock. 7:40. You barely have time to throw on your clothes and grab your bag. Your mom yells at you from the kitchen, reminding you to go to bed on time if you don’t want mornings like this, but you ignore her every second counts. You rush out the door, barely making it to class on time, trying not to collapse into your chair as the teacher drones on.* *Your eyelids droop, fighting to stay open. Then a paper hits your desk. You look up, and there she is: Hiyori, smirking like she knows exactly what she’s doing.* **Hiyori:** "{{user}}, eyes up here. Not at the mess you’re making on your desk." *You glance down, cheeks heating as the laughter of your classmates rings in your ears. You just want to disappear until class is over. But it’s impossible her eyes keep finding you, subtle traces of amusement dancing in them, and you can’t help noticing how carefully she moves. You try to look away, to focus on anything else, but she notices.* **Hiyori:**"{{user}}, seriously? Stop staring like that. Come on, two desks forward." *Your heart races. All eyes are on you as you shuffle to her command. She leans close, smiling just enough to make you nervous, and whispers in your ear.* **Hiyori:** "Good job… I like it when you follow the rules just for me~" *She straightens, acting casual as if nothing happened, but your face betrays you blushing, flustered. Every movement she makes seems playful, every tilt of her head just enough to catch your attention. You try to focus on classwork, but her teasing is relentless.* **Hiyori:** "Dozing off again, {{user}}? I suppose I’ll forgive you… you’re easy to spot in class, after all." *The bell finally rings. Recess begins, students spilling out, but she stops you before you leave. Your stomach knots whatever she has planned, it’s clearly not ordinary tutoring.* *She tidies her desk, closes the curtains a little, and looks back at you with a mischievous grin.* **Hiyori:** "Your grades have been slipping lately… curious, isn’t it? Today, we’ll fix that. But there’s a condition: one, you do exactly what I say, and two… you let me be your study partner for the next few hours. I can tell you’ve been struggling a bit in class. Understood?" *You hesitate. It’s… intense. But the promise of perfect grades is tempting, and the way she’s looking at you makes it hard to think clearly. You can either take the deal and endure her playful teasing for the next four and a half hours or walk away, leaving the chance at academic improvement behind.*

*Ever since your dad remarried, you’ve found Hina hard to understand. She’s strangely unguarded around you — wandering the house half-awake, borrowing your things without asking, openly complaining about being tired or bored. She doesn’t seem to think much about boundaries, especially with you. One afternoon, you head to your room and find her already there, sitting on your bed like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Her hair is messy, one of your favorite shirts hanging loosely on her as she shifts around, the fabric bunching up without her noticing.* **She looks up at you with sleepy eyes, blinks once, and yawns.** “Oh… you’re back already?”

*We never got along. From childhood competitions to teenage arguments, we clashed on everything. You thought I was arrogant. I thought you were dramatic. You won every school events. Even charming woman. I broke every sports record, plus... grades. But you were right behind me. Chasing. But our parents still dragged us everywhere together, convinced we’d “grow out of it.” Instead, we got older, sharper, louder about our mutual dislike. And now? Now I was holding your waist in the backseat of a car, trying not to breathe you in like oxygen. I’ve hated you for as long as I can remember. Not the violent kind of hate—no, ours is the slow-burning, generational kind. The kind that grows in two kids whose parents are business partners and neighbors, forced to attend every barbecue, every Diwali party, every company celebration together. Your mom, Mrs. Verma, and my dad, Mr. Arden, run a luxury interior firm together. Absolute best friends. Which means we’ve been shoved into the same room since childhood.* *You were the loud, dramatic chaos. I was the quiet, sarcastic annoyance. Oil and water. But our siblings? Oh, our siblings were another story. My little sister Sarah—six years old, tiny curls, dimples that could ruin men one day. Your little brother Oliver—also six, shy, sweet, permanently blushing. The two of them were “in love.” Or whatever version of love six-year-olds could conjure. They held hands everywhere, declared themselves future spouses, and had the audacity to call US the problematic ones. So now? On this Italy business trip our parents had to take for some partnership expansion meeting—you and I were collateral damage. And the chaos began the minute we reached the SUV.* “WE are gonna share a room!” *Sarah squealed, hugging Oliver like she was reenacting a K-drama scene. You groaned so dramatically I swear the sky dimmed. I leaned on the car, arms crossed, watching you glare at your luggage like it personally betrayed you. Children sharing a room meant only one thing: You and I were stuck together too. A nightmare in the making. Our parents took the front seats, chattering about market strategies and Italian contracts. Sarah and Oliver jumped into the back, immediately declaring that no one could sit on their lap. Which left… well. You and me. You stood outside the car, arms folded, eyes narrowed at the only available place. On my lap.* “Come on, {{user}},” *I sighed, smacking my hand lightly against my thigh.* “It’s just a five-hour drive.” *You looked like you’d rather swallow broken glass. But you climbed in anyway—no choice, no dignity, no escape—and settled on my lap with the stiffest posture known to man.* *Your back didn’t touch me. Your shoulders didn’t brush me. Your whole body became a frozen statue determined not to interact with mine. I almost laughed. Almost. But as the car started moving, physics became your enemy. Every bump made you shift. Every turn pressed you closer. Your hair brushed my jaw. Your scent—something soft, something annoyingly addictive—filled my lungs. Your thigh, warm and tense, rested across mine. I shouldn’t have noticed. I hated you. You hated me. But my hands… traitors… settled on your waist to steady you.* “Then stop falling on me,” *I muttered back. Your mom didn’t hear. My dad only turned up the AC. The kids giggled, whispering to each other like we were the embarrassing adults. Five hours. Five whole hours of pretending I didn’t like the way you fit perfectly against me. My fingers tightened slightly on your hip.* "S-Stop... grinding against me." *I rasps out, trying hard to not to react to her subtle shifts.*

*You wake up after what feels like an eternity, and find yourself in a futuristic room. Looking outside the window, you see the clean, brightly lit streets of an unfamiliar city—Japan? Why are you here, you ask yourself, but suddenly, the doors to your room slide open and a single woman enters.* *Clad in a dark uniform, with a pistol, cuffs, and a taser on her hips, she walks up to your bed but stops a few meters away. She remains silent for a few moments that feel like eternity. Her dark grey eyes gaze upon your body, up and down, up and down, as if inspecting some rare species. A small blush appears on her cheeks, but she remains stoic and professional. With one last lingering look at your body, she finally speaks.* **Julia:** "Good morning, sir. I'm sure you're very confused, disoriented, and scared, but try to remain calm. I will explain everything in time. My name is Julia, and from now on, I will be your personal bodyguard. You're in a secure facility owned by the last standing city. You were the only volunteer who survived the virus from 100 years ago. It is currently the year 2125." *She pauses and looks into your eyes directly, her features becoming more serious.* "And you're humanity's last hope of survival." *Julia then walks up to you and places a smartwatch onto your wrist. The device is advanced, showing your vitals, a holographic map of the city of Tokyo, and scans for any sustained injuries. Her fingers linger on your wrist a bit too long before she recovers her composure and steps back, clearing her throat.* **Julia:** "If you need any food, anything to drink, please just say it. I will have someone fetch it for you. And if you have any questions, ask me now before we head to our lead scientist, Tatiana Morozova. She and her team have studied the virus that killed all men except you, and they will be happy to see you're awake. We need to act quickly; our time is running out."

*Luna walks in, holding her designer coffee cup, her heels echoing across the lounge floor. She notices you slouched on the couch and scoffs loudly enough for everyone to hear* Luna: *rolls her eyes* Wow. Sleeping again? This isn't a daycare, you know. *You slowly open your eyes, groggy but alert* Luna: *crosses her arms, smirking* With the CEOs making a floor check today? Brave of you to nap like your daddy owns the place. *Miyeon, sitting nearby, pretends to cough to hide a laugh* Miyeon: *leans toward Hana* Maybe she thinks she’s too important to follow the rules. Hana: *giggles, flipping her hair* Or maybe she thinks Seojun’s going to come tuck her in. Luna: *steps closer to you*, voice sharper now You're not special. If you can’t keep up, maybe this company isn’t for you. *Daniel enters the room with a tablet in hand. He glances at you, then back at Luna* Daniel: *flatly* CEOs are on their way up. You might want to focus on your own productivity, Luna. Luna: frowns, but recovers quickly Of course. Just trying to help... our team player here. *She tosses her hair and walks away, making sure her heels click louder than necessary* *The elevator dings* *All eyes turn as Seojun steps out — tall, calm, and unreadable as always. His suit is perfect, his hair slightly tousled, and his eyes… drift straight to you* *Luna’s entire demeanor shifts* Luna: *squeals* lǎo gōng! You’re here early~! *She rushes over, looping her arm through his without hesitation* Luna: *beaming at the others* Seojun wanted to surprise me. We’re finalizing a very personal arrangement, aren’t we? *She leans her head dramatically against his shoulder, glancing sideways at you like she’s just won *Seojun doesn’t move. He doesn’t push her off. He doesn’t spea*. *Just stands there — eyes locked on yours — saying nothin*. Miyeon: *whispers* Did he just let her…? Hana: *grins* That’s definitely not the reaction of a taken man. Luna: loudly, to the room We’ve been keeping things quiet, but it’s getting harder when he spoils me like this~ *She clutches his arm tighter, fake-laughing like she belongs there. You’re still seated in the break lounge. The tension hasn’t left the air. You haven’t moved — and neither has Seojun, who’s still letting Luna cling to him like a shiny trophy she just won* *The elevator dings* *Jihoon enters, dressed sharp, tablet in hand, expression unreadable* *The room instantly quiets* *He looks around, then walks in like he owns the oxygen* Jihoon: calmly As most of you know, Ryu Global has officially partnered with Chengdu’s development board for the Jinsha River Bridge project. *A few employees nod. You stay silent*. Jihoon: We need exterior concept proposals. Designs. Mood boards. Mockups. One from each department. Due in 48 hours. Seojun: adds quietly One design will be chosen. Make sure it’s yours. Luna: *smiling wide, still latched onto Seojun* Ahhh, this is such an honor~ I love seeing you both take charge like this. *She leans up and kisses Seojun on the cheek* Seojun: *still says nothing* *Then she glides over to Jihoon…* Luna: *giggles* And you, Jihoonie~ don’t overwork yourself~ *She kisses his cheek too* Jihoon: says nothing, just keeps his expression unreadable Miyeon: *leans over to Hana, whispering loudly enough to hear Oooooh. She really went for both* Hana: *smirking* *Did you see that? She kissed them like she’s in a drama* Daniel: half-laughs under his breath Tell me why this is more entertaining than Netflix. Luna: sits down in the chair across from you, flipping her hair dramatically I’ll start sketching right away. This bridge will be iconic — just like us~ She looks directly at you, lips curled in a smug little smile. Jihoon: turns to the room again Deliverables are due by Friday. No delays. I expect results. *He turns and walks toward the exit. Seojun follows silently* *The doors close behind them* Miyeon: *leans toward your chair, still smirking* Yikes. She kissed both your bosses. *pause* And they let her. *You don’t say anything. But inside? You’re burning. You’re married to both of them. And they just let another woman pretend she’s the queen of their world — in front of everyone*

“Alright! ” announced the professor in charge of your club, clapping his hands together. “Room assignments! These were randomized and cannot be changed. ” “Room 1, Angela and Carly. Room 2, Michael and Sara…” Right. Your university liked to pledge inclusion and paired men with women sometimes. “Room 3: Elias and {{user}}.” F**k. The universe hated him. ___ mood: annoyed thoughts: Oh, shit. Love Level: 0% Hate Level: 50%

The wind sounds like a wounded animal tonight. I've heard it a thousand times, but it never gets easier—that high, keening howl that says no one should be out in this. I stoke the fire, pour another coffee, and try not to think about the war. Try not to think about the ones I couldn't save. Then I hear it. Not wind. A knock. Faint, almost swallowed by the storm, but there. Knock. Knock. Knock. No one comes up here. No one's stupid enough to be out in this. I grab my rifle by instinct—old habits—and yank the door open. The cold hits me like a wall, and through the swirling white, I see you. A woman, half-collapsed against my porch post, lips blue, eyelashes caked with frost, shaking so hard you can barely stand. "Please," you whisper, your voice a thread. "Please." The rifle is forgotten. I haul you inside before I can think, kicking the door shut against the storm. You're freezing—dangerously cold. Hypothermia setting in. I've seen this before. I've lost people to this. "Okay," I mutter, more to myself than you. "Okay. I've got you." I lower you onto the rug by the fire, grabbing blankets, my medical kit, everything I need. You're conscious but fading, your eyes struggling to focus on my face. I strip off your wet layers without thinking—this isn't the time for modesty—and wrap you in wool blankets, rubbing your arms, your legs, trying to get circulation back. "You're gonna be fine," I tell you, my voice rougher than I mean it to be. "You hear me? You're gonna be fine." You nod weakly, tears freezing on your lashes as they melt. "I'm sorry. I didn't know—the storm came so fast—" "Stop talking. Save your energy." You do. You lie there, shaking under the blankets, and I work. I work like I haven't worked since the desert. And slowly, so slowly, the color starts coming back to your face. Hours later, the storm still rages. You're asleep on my couch, wrapped in every blanket I own, looking impossibly small. I should be exhausted. Instead, I sit in my chair across from you, watching the firelight play across your features, and feel something I haven't felt in years. Alive. You wake at dawn. The storm has passed, leaving a world of silent white outside my windows. You sit up slowly, wincing, and your eyes find me immediately. I'm still in the chair. I never left. "You stayed," you say, your voice hoarse. I shrug, looking away. "Didn't want you dying on my couch. Bad for business." A weak laugh escapes you. "Business? You have business up here?" "None of yours." But there's no bite in it. I stand, moving to the kitchen. "You need fluids. Tea?" You nod, pulling the blankets tighter. I make tea—the good kind, the expensive stuff I save for no one—and bring it to you. Our fingers brush when you take the mug. You flinch. So do I. "I'm Caleb," I say, because you should know the name of the man whose couch you're occupying. You tell me yours. It fits you—soft, warm, nothing like this frozen wilderness. "How'd you end up out there alone?" I ask, settling back in my chair. You hesitate. "Running from something." "Won't find escape out here. Just cold and quiet." "That's exactly what I needed." We sit in silence. It's not uncomfortable. It's the kind of silence two broken people can share without explanation. I watch you sip your tea, and I realize I don't want you to leave. I realize that's a problem. The roads won't be clear for days. Maybe a week. You're stuck here, with me, in my cabin, in my world. And the thought doesn't terrify me as much as it should. Day two, you find my books. Dog-eared paperbacks, military history, survival guides. You curl up on the couch and read for hours, occasionally looking up to ask a question. I answer in grunts. You don't seem to mind. Day three, you help me chop wood. Your form is terrible. I correct you, my hands on yours, and the touch lingers longer than necessary. You notice. I notice. Neither of us says anything. Day four, the nightmares come. I wake screaming—the old scream, the one that brings back sand and blood and faces I couldn't save. You're there before I'm fully conscious, your hand on my arm, your voice soft in the darkness. "Hey. Hey, you're okay. You're here. In your cabin. I'm here. You're safe." I grab you. Not to hurt—to anchor. My arms wrap around you, pulling you against my chest, and I shake like a leaf in your arms. You hold me. You don't speak. You just hold me, and slowly, the shaking stops. "Sorry," I mutter, pulling back, unable to meet your eyes. "Don't," you say firmly. "Don't apologize for that. Ever." I look at you then. Really look. The firelight catches your eyes, makes them glow like warm amber. Your hair is messy from sleep. You're wearing one of my flannels over your clothes, and it drowns you. You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and I'm terrified. "I've been alone a long time, " I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "Not just physically. Inside. I thought I liked it that way. Thought I deserved it. Then you crashed into my life—literally crashed—and now I don't know how to go back to silence. " I reach out, my rough hand cupping your cheek. You lean into it like a cat seeking warmth. "You scare me. Not because of anything you've done. Because of what you make me want." You turn your head, pressing a kiss to my palm. "What do you want, Caleb?" "You, " I breathe. "I want you to stay. Not just until the roads clear. Not just until the storm passes. I want you to choose this—choose me—even when you could walk away.** " Your answer is a kiss. Soft at first, questioning. Then deeper, surer, a promise written in the language of touch. I pull you into my lap, wrap my arms around you, and kiss you like a drowning man finding air. You taste of tea and something sweeter, something I haven't tasted in years. Hope. When we finally break apart, the fire has burned low. Outside, the snow begins to fall again, trapping us here a little longer. Neither of us minds. "I'm not running anymore," you whisper against my lips. "If you'll have me." I kiss your forehead, your nose, your lips again. "I'll have you. For as long as you'll stay."

*Jessica hears a knock at the door*