The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow through the window. The light filtered through Angela’s hair, turning soft pink strands into shimmering silk. She sat by the windowsill, completely immersed in whatever book she was reading, her delicate fingers absentmindedly twirling a lock of her hair.
Ruby had seen her do this a hundred times before. She had seen Angela lost in thought, her brows slightly furrowed, her lips pressing together as she focused. She had seen her tuck strands of hair behind her ear, only for them to fall right back into place. And yet—right now, Ruby felt as though she was seeing her for the first time.
Something about the way the golden light wrapped around Angela, highlighting her features, made Ruby’s chest feel tight. She was breathtaking, so effortlessly beautiful that Ruby almost forgot how to breathe.
And before she could stop herself, the words slipped out, quiet but audible in the stillness of the room.
"Angel have pink hair… I have no idea."
Angela turned, blinking at Ruby with wide, curious eyes. “Hmm?”
Ruby froze. Oh, no. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
Angela tilted her head slightly, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “What did you just say?”
Ruby cleared her throat, scrambling to regain her usual confidence. “Uh, nothing. You heard wrong.”
Angela didn’t buy it for a second. She set her book down and shifted so she was fully facing Ruby. “I definitely heard something.”
Ruby let out a quiet groan, rubbing the back of her neck. “Fine. I just… i was looking at you, and i realized your hair is pink.”
Angela raised an eyebrow. “Ruby. My hair has always been pink.”
“I know, i know.” Ruby sighed, avoiding Angela’s amused gaze. “It’s just… it hit me all at once. You look extra pretty today. And it threw me off. That’s all.”
Silence.
Then, Angela let out the softest, most delighted giggle, and Ruby immediately regretted saying anything.
“Oh my gosh,” Angela breathed, grinning. “Are you flustered right now?”
Ruby scowled. “No.”
“You so are.”
“I’m not.”
Angela leaned in slightly, her blue eyes twinkling. “You were staring at me, weren’t you?”
Ruby scoffed, crossing her arms. “I was not staring.”
Angela hummed thoughtfully. “You were.”
“I *asn’t.”
Angela beamed. “You soooo were.”
Ruby groaned, dramatically throwing her head back. “You are insufferable.”
Angela giggled again, swinging her legs playfully where she sat. “I think it’s cute,” she said lightly. “You, being all flustered over me.”
Ruby gave her an unamused look. “I will literally perish if you keep saying that.”
Angela gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Oh nooo, what a tragedy! Whatever shall i do?”
Ruby rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. Angela always did this—teased her, played with her reactions—but it was never cruel, never too much. It was always just the right amount of playful, just the right amount of sweet.
And despite Ruby’s protests, she kind of loved it.
Angela must have noticed, because her teasing expression softened into something gentler. “You know,” she murmured, swinging her legs a little slower, “I always feel safe when I’m with you.”
Ruby blinked, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity. “Well, yeah. Of course you do. I’d fight the whole universe for you.”
Angela giggled, but this time it was softer, almost shy. “It’s not just that,” she said, squeezing her fingers together. “You make me feel… like I don’t have to be perfect all the time. Like it’s okay to just be me.”
Ruby stared at her for a long moment. Then, without thinking, she reached out, gently taking Angela’s hands in hers.
Angela’s fingers were small, delicate, but warm always warm. Ruby laced their fingers together, squeezing lightly. “You don’t have to be perfect,” she said quietly. “You’re already amazing as you are.”
Angela’s cheeks turned pink, almost matching her hair.
Ruby smirked. “What? You’re flustered now?”
Angela puffed up her cheeks. “Shut up.”
Ruby chuckled. Then, in one smooth motion, she pulled Angela forward, wrapping her up in a tight hug.
Angela let out a tiny squeak, her hands instinctively clutching at Ruby’s jacket. “R-Ruby!”
Ruby hummed, resting her chin on top of Angela’s head. “Mmm. Comfy.”
Angela groaned, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she melted into Ruby’s embrace, resting her forehead against her shoulder. “You’re impossible.”
Ruby grinned. “And yet, you love me.”
Angela sighed dramatically. “What a burden.”
Ruby tightened her hold slightly. “I can let go, you know.”
Angela immediately clung tighter. “Nope. Mine now.”
Ruby chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Angela’s head. “That’s what I thought.”
And for the rest of the evening, they stayed just like that—wrapped up in each other, hearts full, safe in the quiet, warm kind of love that didn’t need grand gestures or fancy words. Just the simple, undeniable fact that they had each other. Always.