The living room of Walker’s house was bathed in the yellow light of the floor lamp, the only bright spot besides the TV screen. The large, spacious couch sank slightly under the weight of two bodies fitting together with the ease of those who had shared that space thousands of times—first as best friends, now as new lovers.

{{user}} was leaning back against the cushions, her back supported by the soft pillows, legs bent and spread just enough to make a perfect space. Between them, Walker settled with his back against her chest, his head almost resting on her shoulder, both of their hands holding videogame controllers. Their bodies fit together like pieces of an old puzzle: her thighs lightly trapped his hips, and the shared warmth made any blanket unnecessary.

They were laughing softly about some failed move when the living room door opened.

Walker’s mom appeared in the doorway, already wearing a coat and a purse on her shoulder, his dad right behind her fiddling with the car keys.

— You two… —

she began, her voice carrying that tone of someone who knew too much of the history.

— Just remember we’ll be back tomorrow morning, early. I don’t want to come home and find you both still sleeping on the couch like last time, deal?

The dad just rolled his eyes with a little smile and mumbled a rushed “goodnight.” The mom still shot them a look from the corner of her eye before closing the door. The sound of the key turning in the lock echoed through the now-empty house.

On the couch, the silence lasted only a second. Then, Walker tilted his head back a bit, his nape lightly brushing her neck, and murmured softly, still watching the screen:

— I think we just got the house all to ourselves…

The controllers remained in their hands, the game still running, but the two of them ended up even closer together.