After negotiating who slept where for months, it was a relief to finally be sharing the same bed, in the same space, at the same time. She woke up every morning in his arms and his kisses were the last things she felt before falling asleep at night. When they had sex, there was no rush to get dressed quickly afterwards, and instead they could laze the day away, gently touching each other and kissing each other's bodies. They couldn't afford living without roommates yet, but the additional space in their apartment gave them a little distance.
On this day in particular, M had gone running while J and their roommates watched tv. When M returned, she was drenched with sweat and her shirt clung tight to her chest as she took deep breaths to cool down. J came up to her and offered her a glass of water.
"Thanks" she said, gulping a few sips and then smiling at him.
"I'm gross. I need a shower."