Tonight felt softer than usual. Kheraeld’s Keonho had been talking about ramen all week, the steam, the broth, the comfort after long days. So when Luthien’s Ian met him under the dim streetlights, the excitement between them was quiet, but warm.

The ramen place welcomed them with fogged windows and simmering scent. Ian slid closer instead of sitting across, shoulders brushing. When the bowls arrived, steam curled between their faces. Keonho confidently took a big bite without waiting for it to cool, trying to act unfazed only to blink from the heat a second later. Ian laughed softly, then proudly lifted his perfectly soft-boiled egg, showing it off like a tiny trophy before placing it back into the broth.

Outside was chilly, but at their table, between soft murmurs and hands brushing under it, the night felt just right.

Nighty nite, Eldies! ♥️