Love in the Spotlight

Through Thick and Thin

The cold January wind nipped at Gianna's cheeks as she stepped out of the coffee shop, a steaming cup of chai latte in one hand and Hana's usual order—a caramel macchiato—in the other. The streets bustled with post-holiday energy, people carrying shopping bags and chatting as they hurried by. Gianna adjusted the scarf around her neck, already imagining the warmth of Hana's apartment.

Hana had insisted on staying in today, claiming she needed a break from the world after a hectic week of work and TikTok obligations. Gianna didn't mind; she adored their quiet days, where they could simply exist together without the noise of the outside world.

As she reached Hana's building, Gianna shifted the drinks to one hand and buzzed herself in, a practiced motion at this point. The elevator ride up was quick, and soon, she was knocking on Hana's door.

"It's open!" Hana's voice called from inside.

Gianna pushed the door open with her shoulder and stepped in, greeted immediately by the sight of Hana sprawled on the couch, a fluffy blanket draped over her legs. She was wearing sweatpants and one of her hoodies, her dark hair tucked under a beanie. A video game controller sat forgotten on the coffee table, and a paused game flickered on the TV.

"Hey, babe," Hana said, her face lighting up as Gianna walked in. "You brought me my life force?"

"Of course," Gianna said, grinning as she handed Hana the caramel macchiato. "You'd wither away without it."

Hana took a long sip, sighing dramatically. "You know me so well."

Gianna kicked off her boots and settled onto the couch beside her, tucking her legs under her. Hana immediately shifted closer, wrapping an arm around Gianna and pulling her against her chest.

"Missed you," Hana murmured, pressing a kiss to Gianna's temple.

"You saw me two hours ago," Gianna teased, though she leaned into Hana's warmth.

"Two hours too long," Hana replied, her voice playful but affectionate.

They sat like that for a while, sipping their drinks and enjoying the quiet. Gianna glanced at the TV screen, noting the paused racing game.

"Mario Kart again?" she asked.

"Don't judge," Hana said, her lips quirking into a smirk. "It's therapeutic."

Gianna laughed. "You mean, it's fun to destroy people in a video game."

"Same thing," Hana said, her smirk widening. "You wanna play?"

"I'd rather not get obliterated," Gianna replied, setting her empty cup on the coffee table. "But I'll watch you destroy the computer players."

Hana grinned, picking up her controller. "Suit yourself."

An hour later, Gianna found herself unexpectedly engrossed in the game. Hana had convinced her to join in, and they were now neck-and-neck in a race on Rainbow Road. Hana's competitive side was in full force, and Gianna was determined to hold her own.

"Gigi, if you throw that shell at me, we're breaking up," Hana said, her eyes glued to the screen.

Gianna laughed, her thumb hovering over the button. "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

With a mischievous grin, Gianna hit the button, sending the red shell speeding toward Hana's kart. The resulting collision sent Hana's character flying off the track.

"You're ruthless!" Hana exclaimed, her tone half-amused, half-dramatic.

"Survival of the fittest," Gianna replied, barely suppressing her laughter.

Hana set her controller down and tackled Gianna onto the couch, pinning her beneath her weight. "You're gonna pay for that."

Gianna squealed, trying to wiggle free, but Hana's grip was firm. "Okay, okay, I surrender!" she said between giggles.

Hana smirked, her face hovering inches from Gianna's. "Too late for surrender."

Gianna's laughter faded as she met Hana's gaze, her heart suddenly racing for a different reason. The playful atmosphere shifted, replaced by something more tender. Hana leaned down, brushing her lips softly against Gianna's, and all thoughts of the game vanished.

When they pulled apart, Hana smiled down at her. "You're dangerous, you know that?"

Gianna tilted her head. "How so?"

"You make me lose every time," Hana said, her voice teasing but warm.

Gianna laughed, pulling her into another kiss. "Guess you'll have to get used to it."

As the evening rolled in, the city lights sparkled through the windows, casting a soft glow in the apartment. Hana had moved to the kitchen to prepare dinner, insisting she wanted to cook for once. Gianna sat at the counter, watching as Hana worked. She moved with a confidence that was mesmerizing, chopping vegetables and stirring sauces like she was a professional chef.

"Where'd you learn to cook like that?" Gianna asked, resting her chin on her hand.

"My mom," Hana said, glancing up with a smile. "She's an amazing cook. Always made sure I knew how to fend for myself in the kitchen."

"Well, I'm impressed," Gianna said, her tone sincere. "You look like you know what you're doing."

"Looks can be deceiving," Hana replied, winking.

Gianna rolled her eyes but smiled. She loved this side of Hana—playful, relaxed, and completely in her element. It made her feel even more grateful for the connection they shared.

When the food was ready, they sat at the small dining table, their plates filled with pasta and garlic bread. The meal was simple, but it was perfect. They talked about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Gianna told Hana about her plans for work, and Hana shared ideas for new TikTok videos. It was the kind of evening that felt ordinary but meaningful, a reminder of how much they had come to mean to each other.

After dinner, they curled up on the couch again, this time under a shared blanket. Hana had put on a movie, but Gianna wasn't paying much attention. Her focus was on Hana, on the way her hand rested lightly on Gianna's thigh, her thumb tracing absentminded circles.

"You know," Gianna said after a while, her voice soft, "I didn't think I'd ever find something like this."

Hana turned to her, her brow furrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... this," Gianna said, gesturing between them. "Us. It's been hard, you know? Being in relationships where I felt like I had to choose between being myself and being loved."

Hana's expression softened, and she squeezed Gianna's hand. "You never have to choose with me, Gigi. I love you for exactly who you are. All of you."

Gianna felt her throat tighten with emotion. She leaned into Hana, resting her head on her shoulder. "Thank you," she whispered.

"For what?"

"For being you," Gianna said, her voice steady. "For showing me what love is supposed to feel like."

Hana pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You deserve all of it, Gigi. And I'm not going anywhere."

In that moment, Gianna knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.