You leaned against the doorway of Nicholas's apartment, his favorite hoodie hanging off your shoulders as you watched him pack. The morning light filtered through the blinds, painting golden streaks across the room, but the weight of the moment dimmed its warmth. A duffle bag sat open on the bed, half-filled with clothes, scripts, and a worn leather notebook you knew he used for his thoughts and ideas.
"I don't think it's hit me yet," you said softly, arms crossed.
Nicholas looked up from folding a t-shirt, his dark eyes meeting yours with a mix of excitement and something deeper—something like hesitation. He offered you a small, lopsided smile, the kind that always made your heart stutter.
"I'll only be gone for a few months," he said, but you both knew this was bigger than just a trip.
This was it. The opportunity he'd dreamed of, fought for, stayed up late rehearsing lines for. A chance to break into something even greater than what he'd already achieved. You were proud—so proud—but it was hard to ignore the tightness in your chest, the fear of what this change might mean for the two of you.
"I know," you said, forcing a smile. "It's just... things are going to be different."
He crossed the room in a few strides, standing close enough that you could feel the warmth of him, grounding you in the moment. His hands cupped your face, his thumb brushing lightly against your cheek.
"Different doesn't mean bad," he murmured. "I'm not leaving us behind, okay? I'm just chasing this dream. And you—you've always been my biggest reason to go far."
You felt the sting of tears but refused to let them fall. Instead, you leaned into his touch, closing your eyes and memorizing the way his hands felt, the sound of his voice.
"You're gonna kill it," you said, your voice steadier now. "I know you are."
Nicholas pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly like he was afraid to let go. And maybe he was.
"Don't forget about me when you're out there living the dream," you teased, your voice muffled against his chest.
He laughed, the sound low and warm. "Never. You're my dream too, remember?"
And as you stood there, wrapped up in him, you believed him. Because Nicholas was the kind of person who made you feel like home, no matter how far he went.
