The sky outside Hriva's window had turned a soft bruised violet, heavy clouds drifting across the moon like secrets being passed in the dark. She had changed into one of Jake's oversized hoodies-one he'd left behind a week ago, claiming it was "accidental." It wasn't. She knew it. And tonight, she needed the weight of him wrapped around her, even if only in cotton and memory.
She tried to read.
Tried to scroll through her phone.
Tried to sleep.
But none of it worked.
Because Jake lingered.
In the smell of the lavender bouquet resting in a glass jar on her desk.
In the soft throb of her lips that still remembered his kiss.
In the ache behind her ribs where something new and unspoken was blooming.
Her phone buzzed.
Jake: You up?
She smiled instantly.
Hriva: Technically? Yes. Mentally? Floating somewhere between lavender and lips.
Jake: I hope both of those are because of me.
Hriva: You know they are.And you? Can't sleep either?
Jake: Nope. I closed my eyes and saw your face.And then your mouth.And then your hands.And then I gave up.
Hriva blushed even though no one could see her.
Hriva: Smooth.Is this you being romantic or trying to corrupt my innocent soul?
Jake: Both. Obviously.But mostly, I just miss you.It's stupid. I just dropped you off.But it already feels too long.
She stared at the screen, biting her lip.
Hriva: It's not stupid.I was literally hugging your hoodie like a lunatic ten minutes ago.
Jake: That is my hoodie, isn't it?
Hriva: Yep. Smells like you. Slightly sinful.Slightly comforting. Like danger with a hug.
Jake: Damn.Say more things like that and I'll end up on your doorstep in ten minutes.
She hesitated. Teasing, yes. But there was a part of her-deep and coiled and wanting-that liked the idea a little too much.
Hriva: Bold of you to assume I'd let you in.
Jake: Bold of you to assume I'd knock.
She sucked in a breath, fingers pausing over the screen.
Hriva: So what would you do?If I opened the door right now?
Jake: I'd walk in.Back you up against that wall by your bookshelf.Slide my hands under that hoodie.And kiss you until you forgot how lonely nights used to feel.
Her pulse skipped.
The words weren't crude. They were controlled. Slow. Like he was saying exactly what she wanted to hear without needing to spell out every inch of it.
She exhaled shakily and texted back.
Hriva: …You wouldn't even take your shoes off?
Jake: I'm many things.But I'm not a monster.
She laughed out loud this time, biting her knuckle to stifle the sound. The man was dangerous. In the best way.
Hriva: I was going to try sleeping again.But now I'm… wide awake.
Jake: Then let's not waste that.Want to play a game?
Hriva: What kind of game?
Jake: Tell me one thing you've never told anyone.And I'll do the same.No lies. No skipping. Just raw honesty.Deal?
She stared at the message. Her stomach fluttered. Games with Jake weren't just games. They always led somewhere deeper.
She took a breath and typed.
Hriva: Deal.Okay.Sometimes… I imagine what it would feel like to fall asleep in your arms.And that's terrifying.Because it already feels too good in my head.
She hit send before she could overthink it.
A few seconds passed.
Then her phone buzzed again.
Jake:I've never believed in soulmates.But the second I met you…I started wanting to.
Her chest tightened.
The silence stretched again-but this time, it wasn't empty. It was full. Heavy with things unsaid but understood.
Hriva: Jake?
Jake: Yeah?
Hriva: I don't think I've ever wanted someone the way I want you.And it's not just physical.It's… like my heart was a lock, and you're the key.And I didn't even know I was locked until you turned it.
The dots appeared for a long time.
Then:
Jake:If you were in my arms right now,I don't think I'd let you go.
Hriva:Maybe I don't want to be let go.
And that was how they fell asleep that night-not beside each other, not physically-but with hearts curled together across city blocks, connected by words, warmth, and the terrifying, beautiful knowledge that they were falling.
Hard.
And neither of them wanted to hit the ground.