THE LINE WE WEREN'T MEANT TO CROSS

*Chapter 16: Morning After*

Morning came with sunlight through my curtains and the smell of coffee from my kitchen.

I woke up to an empty spot beside me and a note on the bedside table.

_“Had to go in early. Made coffee. Don’t burn the house down. -E”_

I smiled before I even sat up.

It felt weird, having him here. Not wrong—just new. Like my room had quietly rearranged itself overnight to make space for someone else.

His jacket was draped over my chair. His mug was still in the sink. Small things, but they meant he’d been here, and he’d be back.

My phone buzzed.

*Elias:* _Defense went well. You passed. In case you forgot._

I laughed out loud.

*Me:* _I remember. Do you?_

*Elias:* _I remember everything from last night. Meet me at lunch? No office. The café by the gate._

I got up, pulled on his hoodie that was still on my chair, and replied:

*Me:* _Only if you’re buying. Professor._

His reply came fast:

*Elias:* _Dr. Lena can order whatever she wants._

Lena.

No title. No distance.

I stood in front of the mirror, still wearing his hoodie, and for the first time in months, I didn’t check to see if I looked professional enough.

I just looked like me.

When I left for the café, I didn’t look back at the door.

Because for the first time, I knew he’d be on the other side of it when I came home.