Elliot

The city glowed beneath the apartment windows, its lights blurred by the rain sliding down the glass. Elliot stood beside the window, his black hoodie pulled close around him. His reflection stared back at him, distant and tired, while the city continued moving as if nothing in the world had ever gone wrong. Angela stood a few steps behind him. Her blonde hair fell over her shoulders, catching the faint amber light from the lamp. She had always been part of his life, a familiar presence from a childhood that seemed to belong to someone else. Yet standing there beside him, she felt closer than ever. Elliot turned. For a moment, neither of them moved. His gaze settled on her face, searching for something he couldn't quite name. Angela looked back at him, her expression softening as the distance between them seemed to shrink. She stepped closer. Elliot lowered his eyes briefly, uncertain, his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. Angela gently reached for one of his hands, drawing it out and holding it between hers. The smallest change passed across his face. His guarded expression loosened, just enough for the loneliness beneath it to show. Angela lifted her chin toward him. Elliot leaned closer, pausing for a heartbeat. She met him halfway. Their lips touched in a quiet, tentative kiss. Outside, the rain continued to fall. The city lights flickered across the window, painting shifting reflections around them. Elliot's free hand rested gently against her cheek, while Angela leaned closer, her fingers curled around his.