The week had passed in a blur of warmth, laughter, and quiet moments that Chris would carry with him forever. From the moment Ash arrived at his house, straight from college, they had been inseparable. Days had been spent lounging in the sun at Ash’s comfort place, where it always seemed like summer lived on—an unchanging golden warmth that made the world feel right. Chris remembered their mornings vividly: Ash cooking breakfast while Chris teased him about his “overly dramatic pancake flips,” Tianna sending playful texts to check in or mock the two of them, and Sienna popping in virtually from her phone screen, laughing and teasing about Chris’s inevitable flustered reactions to Ash’s charm.

Every day had been a mix of small adventures and quiet contentment. They would read together, sharing snippets of books and laughing at passages they found absurdly relatable, or playfully argue about who would win in any number of imaginary contests. Ash’s laugh had become Chris’s favorite sound, the one that could lift any worry or dull moment. Even in the evenings, when they were just lounging, joking, and sometimes just holding hands, Chris felt a peace he hadn’t known he needed until now.

By the end of the week, it was bittersweet knowing that they would leave the place they had claimed as “their little world.” But as Chris walked beside Ash, carrying the last of their bags, he couldn’t help but feel a quiet excitement. There was still more waiting for him—more time with Ash, and a chance to continue building this life they had started together.

The drive to Ash’s house was filled with the soft hum of the car and the occasional teasing banter. Chris couldn’t resist asking, “So…how’s the college application going? You’ve been asking me all week.”

Ash glanced over with a small, teasing grin. “I mean…how’s yours going?”

Chris laughed softly, shifting in his seat. “Well, I applied to Silver Leaf. I really hope they pick me. It feels like the right fit, you know?”

Ash reached over and gently squeezed his hand. “You’re going to get picked, Chris. No doubts about it. They’d be lucky to have you.”

Chris felt his chest swell with warmth at Ash’s reassurance. “You really think so?” he asked, though he already knew Ash’s confidence in him was unwavering.

“I don’t just think it—I know it, you've gotta be with me you know” Ash replied, flashing a smile that made Chris’s stomach flip.

The conversation shifted to lighter things as they drove, teasing each other, laughing about stories from their friends and siblings, and commenting on ridiculous things they noticed on the road.

When they finally arrived at Ash’s house, Chris felt immediately at ease. Ash’s family welcomed him like he belonged there, like he was an extension of their own home. His nerves faded as they exchanged greetings and smiles. Except, of course, for Sienna. She leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed, smirking at him.

“Well, look at you,” she said, mock seriousness in her tone. “Walking perfectly fine. I’m impressed.”

Chris couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks, Sienna,” he said, feeling comfortable enough to tease back. “Guess your brother didn’t ruin me completely.”

Sienna raised an eyebrow. “Oh, don’t get me started. I want every detail.”

And Chris, perhaps too comfortable, obliged. He recounted, in playful but honest tones, everything about the week he had spent with Ash—the teasing, the jokes, the quiet moments, the sweet little gestures Ash had done that made Chris’s heart soar. Sienna listened with rapt attention, laughing, gasping, and occasionally asking questions that made Chris blush. It felt good to share, to be accepted, and even to be teased.

As the evening approached, Chris prepared to leave. Ash’s mom, sensing the bond between them, asked warmly, “Do you want to stay overnight?”

Chris shook his head politely. “No, thank you. Ash is driving me home.”

“Alright then,” she said, smiling. “Make sure you tell your mom I said hi.”

“Of course, ma’am,” Chris replied, smiling.

The drive back home was quiet at first, the soft hum of the engine filling the car. But the air between them was filled with an unspoken closeness, the kind that didn’t need words. Finally, Chris asked, leaning slightly toward Ash, “So…how’s your day been?”

Ash glanced at him, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Better now,” he said simply.

Chris couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped him. “You’re hopeless,” he teased lightly, shaking his head.

Ash smirked, leaning closer. “Maybe. But I think you like it.”

When they arrived at Chris’s house, neither wanted to leave the comfort of each other’s presence. They lingered in the car, leaning close, sharing a quiet, intense moment. Chris finally asked, teasingly, “You’re not coming in?”

Ash shook his head with a smile. “If I do, I might not want to leave.”

Chris raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that…good?”

“Well,” Ash said in a flirty tone, “your walls are thin. Maybe not the best idea.”

Chris laughed softly, leaning on the car window and asking for a goodnight kiss. Ash leaned in, placing a gentle, lingering kiss on his lips. “Goodnight,” he murmured. “I’ll text you.”

“Yeah, sure,” Chris replied, smiling. “Goodnight.”

As Chris stepped inside his home, he was immediately greeted by a teasing voice. Tianna had been watching from the window, smirking as she approached him.

“Wow,” she said, mock awe in her voice. “I saw a totally different side of you. Never imagined I’d see that in a decade.”

Chris felt his face heat up, wishing he could disappear. “Tianna—”

But Tianna just laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, this is going to be fun,” she teased.

Chris sank into the sofa, trying to play it cool but knowing he had just experienced something unforgettable. He could already hear the teasing commentary that would follow in the days ahead.

Later that night, Chris and Ash’s phones buzzed almost simultaneously. They had fallen into their usual rhythm—flirty texts, playful teasing, sharing funny observations about friends, siblings, and random events. They laughed over silly memes, recounted moments from the week, and even started gossiping about little things they had noticed in their families and friends. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and for Chris, it felt like a perfect continuation of the week they had just spent together.

“Remember when Sienna nearly had a heart attack over your survival skills?” Ash teased.

Chris laughed so hard he almost dropped his phone. “She’s obsessed with you. I swear, she’s going to be the death of me one day.”

“And Tianna?” Ash asked.

“She’s already plotting her next move,” Chris replied. “I think she’s going to make my life miserable.”

Ash chuckled. “Good. Means you’re learning to deal with chaos.”

Chris shook his head, smiling. “It’s more than that. I’m…happy. Like, really happy.”

Ash’s reply was simple but filled with warmth: “Me too, Chris. Me too.”

And just like that, they settled into the comfort of each other’s presence—even through screens and distance—laughing, teasing, and simply enjoying the world they had built for themselves.

The night drew on, but neither of them seemed to mind. It was the kind of night where time didn’t matter, where they could be young, free, and completely themselves. And as Chris finally put his phone down and leaned back, he felt the quiet satisfaction of a week well-spent, a bond strengthened, and a love that was only growing stronger with every passing moment.

I’m curious — who’s your favorite character so far? 👀 I want to know who’s stealing your heart or getting on your nerves 😏💬”