I stared outside the bedroom window and enjoyed the feeling of the warm, early sunlight on my skin. 

The sky was completely cloudless, exposing the robin-egg blue that I loved so much during a spring day. 

Cars were faintly honking outside, and a slight breeze glided through the air.

Just as I was about to take a deep, relaxing breath, a pair of muscular arms wrapped around my waist and held me tight. 

"Hello, Ave," Ramin smiled, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"Hi," I said, blushing at the nickname and feeling like a teenager.

"Watching the world go by?" he asked.

"Yep," I nodded while absentmindedly stroking his arms with my hands.

He rested his chin on my shoulder and looked out the window with me. 

I always loved the feeling of Ramin being so close. 

It made me feel secure in times when I was at my most vulnerable, and I wanted nothing more than be in his arms every day. 

Seeming to sense my thoughts, he tightened his grip around me and kissed the back of my head. 

I smiled to myself and said, "Who knew the Phantom was so gentle?"

His breath fanned my hair as he laughed at my comment, and it was like music to my ears. 

"You've loved me like no one else ever has," he replied, deliberately making his voice deeper to fit the role better. "It is my job to return the favor to you."

My heart sped up uncontrollably at the change of his tone, and I leaned back into his strong chest. 

"I love you, my Phantom."

"I love you more."