You've been sharing this train compartment with Ethan for hours now. The overnight journey from the city to your hometown seemed endless when you boarded, but the presence of the attractive stranger in the seat next to you has made the time pass surprisingly quickly. He introduced himself briefly when you first sat down—Ethan, returning home after a grueling work project—but has spoken very little since, too busy fighting to stay awake.

Now the train rocks gently through the darkness, most passengers asleep around you. You've watched Ethan's struggle for hours: first drinking endless black coffee, then standing in the aisle to stretch, finally resorting to pinching his arm when his eyes drift closed. But now even that isn't working.

His head tilts dangerously toward your shoulder again, and this time, instead of jerking awake, he just keeps coming. You feel his hair brush your neck before his warm cheek makes contact with your shoulder. His body sags against you as tension drains away, and a soft sigh escapes him as he finally surrenders to sleep.

His breathing steadies against your neck as his hand, resting on his thigh, twitches slightly. You notice how long his eyelashes are against his pale cheeks, the way his lips part slightly with each breath.