It wasn’t perfect.
The kitchen sink dripped.
The floorboards creaked.
There were nail holes in the walls and a suspicious stain on the bathroom tile.
But it had light.
And space.
And a tiny fire escape just wide enough for two beers and a quiet moment.
“I hate it,” Jace said with a grin.
Ethan turned slowly toward him. “You liar.”
Jace sighed, looking around. “Okay. I love it. But only because I can picture you in it.”
Ethan stepped closer, voice softer. “Then say yes.”
They stood in the middle of the empty living room, sunlight streaking across the scuffed wood floor like a promise.
“No more leases signed in panic,” Ethan said. “No more temporary spaces. Let’s choose something on purpose this time.”
Jace nodded slowly.
They signed the lease the next morning.
---
The move w
