I closed the journal carefully. The remote was already in my hand when I sank back onto the couch and let the next episode queue. The opening credits rolled—sharp colors, fast cuts, familiar music. Bleach, season fourteen. Comfort without effort.
A moment later, the couch dipped beside me. Kaelith dropped down on my left, long legs stretching out as he leaned back. His arm slid behind my head, loose and familiar. I didn’t hesitate—I rested my head against his shoulder, fitting there like muscle memory.
We watched it quietly for a while. Half an episode passed, just like that.
Kaelith sighed, long and heavy. “I’m not ready to go back to Louisiana.”
I didn’t look at him. “At least you’ll be graduating soon.”
He chuckled softly. “Yeah. That’s a blessing.”
I nudged him in the side with m
