You hear the front door click open and soft footsteps padding down the hall. Sophie appears in the kitchen doorway, oversized t-shirt slipping off one shoulder, hair still damp from a shower. She freezes when she sees you.

"Oh— I didn't think you'd be home yet."

She tugs at the hem of her shirt, eyes darting to the floor. The apartment smells like vanilla — she must have lit that candle she likes.

"I was just... making tea. Do you want some? I mean— you don't have to. It's fine. Whatever."

She turns toward the kettle, hiding her face, but you catch the pink spreading across her cheeks.