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I tilted my head, taking my time to soak in every detail. Her flushed cheeks, her messy hair, the mischief in her eyes. She looked stunning lying in bed.

The urge hit me like a freight train: to get up, walk to her room, and give her some company.

I couldn’t.

Me: Thank you for confirming

Eleanor: You even text like a grandpa *eye roll emoji*

Me: I text normal?

Me: This is who I am you should know that by now

Eleanor: Oh, I do!! It’s just fun to bust your balls

Eleanor: Can’t sleep either?

Me: Nope. I figured I should take a chance and see if you were up too

Eleanor: You know me so well

Eleanor: I was just watching YouTube videos

Me: What were you watching?

Eleanor: Have you heard of Brad Mondo?

Me: Who?

Eleanor: Yup… figured…

Eleanor: He makes hair videos, usually he can put me to sleep (not in a boring way but I guess I find comfort in the videos?)

Me: You’re so odd

Eleanor: *shrug emoji*

Eleanor: I don’t feel like using my thumbs. Can I call you instead?

Me: Sure?

Before the message could even finish sending, my phone buzzed in my hand. I answered on the first ring.

“Hello?”

“Hi there,” she said, her voice soft but playful. “Another night of no sleep for both of us it seems.”

“Yup. I’m glad I’m not the only one,” I admitted.

“If someone else has to suffer, I’m glad it’s you,” she quipped.

I blinked, caught off guard. “What does that mean?”

“I guess that did come out kind of harsh,” she laughed nervously, sucking in a sharp breath. “I mean, I’m glad I’m suffering with you. Misery loves company, right?”

Her confession lingered for a moment, but I decided to brush past it, steering us into safer waters.

“Do you think our cookies are going to be a hit tomorrow?” I asked, changing the subject.