I want something just like this

In every way a person can be

Your hands found their way to his chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt as if holding onto him could stop time. The heat of his body seeped into yours, melting the lingering nerves and leaving only the overwhelming relief of finally, finally being back here with him.

When he pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against yours, his voice was low and rough, the words slipping out like a confession. "I've missed you."

You smiled, your hands gripping the front of his shirt as if to keep him from slipping away. "I missed you too."

It was true, you had missed him too. Somehow, even though he'd been right there—in the same apartment, sitting next to you on that same couch—it wasn't the same. You missed this. 

He leaned in, his voice low and warm. "Okay, so one down."

You smirked, trying to play it cool despite the heat creeping up your cheeks. "You could also stop looking at me like that, and we'll be two down."

Damien's grin turned mischievous as he shook his head. "Okay... so one down."

Before you could say anything more, Shayne's voice echoed from the other room. "Are you guys coming, or what?"

You froze, your mind scrambling for an excuse for why you were in Damien's room. "Yeah, I'm just... borrowing his... hat!"

Damien raised an eyebrow, barely containing his laughter as you turned to him, wide-eyed. "Do you even own a hat?" you whispered in a panic.

"Uh..." He scanned the room before grabbing a cap off his dresser and holding it out like a lifeline. "I have this?"

"Perfect." You snatched it and tugged it on, trying not to look as flustered as you felt.

When you opened the door to leave, Damien caught your wrist, pulling you back for one last, fleeting kiss. It was quick but enough to leave you breathless.

Shayne's voice called out again, impatience clear. "Let's go!"

With one last glance at Damien, you slipped out of the room, your pulse racing but your heart feeling lighter than it had in days. You put on the cap and turned it backwards as the three of you left your appartment, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

When you entered the bar it was packed with lively chatter, clinking glasses, and the faint hum of music that seemed to weave through the chaos. You, Damien, and Shayne arrived just as Courtney, Angela, and Sarah Christ waved from a booth near the back. The place was bustling, with bartenders rushing to keep up with orders and a slightly bewildered customer at the bar insisting on ordering meatloaf.

"Finally!" Angela grinned, sliding over to make room. "We were about to send a search party."

Courtney smirked, sipping her drink. "Shayne probably got distracted by a twisted straw on the way here."

"I'll have you know I only paused to help someone cross the street," Shayne shot back, slipping into the booth. "It's called being a good citizen."

Sarah Christ's eyes locked on you and Damien as you slid in—Damien hesitating for a second before sitting just a little too close. Her knowing look was impossible to miss, and you instinctively shifted further apart. It felt like she was playing chaperone, ready to pounce on any slip-up. It was irritating, but maybe necessary.

"How've you been, Sarah Christ?" you asked quickly, hoping to redirect her attention.

"Oh, you know," she said. "Not sleeping, barely eating. The usual. Maybe now that Shayne's back, I can finally rest."