The town had settled into its nightly calm, the streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlamps, leaves rustling gently in the cool autumn breeze. Inside Hannah's apartment, the warmth from the heater mixed with the lingering scent of baked goods and vanilla, creating a cozy haven against the night outside.
Emma sat on the couch, blanket draped around her shoulders, sketchbook open but largely ignored as her eyes followed Hannah moving about the room. Hannah hummed softly, arranging a few books and tidying the space, her presence filling the room with a quiet energy that made everything feel alive.
"You know," Emma said softly, "I could get used to evenings like this. Just… calm, quiet, and us."
Hannah paused, leaning against the back of the couch, her fingers brushing lightly against Emma's. "Me too," she murmured. "It's like the world slows down, and we can actually breathe."
Emma smiled, leaning into her. "And that's when everything feels easiest — when it's just you and me, nothing else matters."
They stayed close, talking softly about the week, laughing at little shared jokes, and letting the gentle hum of the night fill the spaces between words. Their connection was quiet, steady, and undeniable — a warmth that neither wanted to end.
When the hour grew late, Emma finally stood to leave, but not without lingering at the door. "See you tomorrow?" she asked softly.
"Of course," Hannah replied, holding her hand for a moment longer. "Every day with you is… perfect in its own way."
Emma smiled, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze before stepping into the night. Hannah watched her go, the soft glow of the apartment surrounding her like a promise — that quiet, steady warmth, that certainty of shared moments, would continue to grow with each passing day.