"I'm home," Isabella announced as she slipped off her shoes and entered Harris's house. She placed her bag on the sofa and immediately made her way to the kitchen, her mind racing with thoughts of what to cook for their dinner tonight.
 
It had been quite a while since Isabella and Harris had enjoyed a dinner together. The demands of senior year had kept Harris immersed in team assignments and exams, causing their schedules to misalign. Isabella often found herself asleep on the sofa, waiting for Harris to return home, only to wake up to his tender forehead kisses and warm embraces, accompanied by apologies for his late arrivals.
 
Thankfully, it was Friday, signaling a brief respite from their hectic routines. Isabella hoped that they could finally spend some quality time together during the weekend, or even tonight before sleep. With a contented smile, she finished cooking and set the table for their meal.
 
As Isabella meticulously arranged each dish, she remained oblivious to the sound of the front door swinging open, revealing the man she adored. Harris removed his coat and quietly approached her from behind, enveloping her in a gentle embrace.
 
"Hey," Harris greeted, his lips brushing against Isabella's cheek in a soft peck.
 
Isabella's eyes widened as she turned to face him, her surprise quickly giving way to elation. "Hey! You're home!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck and embracing him tightly.
 
"Careful, you might squeeze the life out of me," Harris chuckled affectionately. He was overjoyed to reunite with Isabella. The weight of assignments and projects had consumed his time lately, making his early return a rare occurrence.
 
"We finally wrapped up our final project assignments, so the professor let me off early," Harris explained with a smile. He gently brushed aside a strand of Isabella's hair to better gaze at her face.
 
"Really? Finally! I'm so glad to hear that, babe!" Isabella beamed, her radiant smile met with a nod and smile from Harris.
 
"God, I've missed you so much, Isabella," Harris admitted, tightening his hold around her and nuzzling into her hair. He inhaled deeply, cherishing her comforting scent. The exhaustion of the past few days seemed to fade away in her arms.
 
"I've missed you too, babe," Isabella replied softly. She sensed his fatigue and held him close, patting his back as a gesture of support. "You've worked so hard."
 
For the next five minutes, they remained wrapped in each other's embrace, swaying gently from side to side. It was a quiet, cherished moment of reconnection, their presence and warmth filling the space between them. Just as Isabella craved Harris's embrace, he longed for the comfort she offered—a warmth that made him feel safe and secure.
 
"Ah, I actually made us some dinner," Isabella eventually said, attempting to pull away from their embrace. However, Harris was reluctant to let go, whispering, "Don't want to release you just yet."
 
Isabella chuckled and playfully ruffled his hair. "But I already cooked, babe. Besides, I haven't eaten yet, and I'm sure you haven't either."
 
Harris finally loosened his grip, his gaze fixed on her. Her pout was irresistible, and he couldn't help but giggle. "Alright, babe."
 
Isabella led Harris to the dining table, where their meal awaited them. The aroma of her cooking filled the room, making Harris's mouth water. It had been too long since he had enjoyed one of her homemade dishes.
 
As they sat down, Isabella served the food she had prepared with love and care. It was a simple but delicious meal that reflected her thoughtfulness. They started eating, savoring each bite while engaging in light conversation about their day.
 
Harris couldn't help but admire Isabella's culinary skills. "You really outdid yourself with this, Isabella. It's amazing," he complimented her between bites.
 
Isabella blushed at the praise, her heart warmed by Harris's words. "I'm glad you like it. I've been looking forward to cooking for you again."
 
They continued to chat and laugh as they enjoyed their dinner. It was a perfect moment of normalcy in the midst of their busy lives. Harris realized how much he had missed these moments with Isabella – the simple joy of sharing a meal, the warmth of her presence, and the comfort of being together.
 
After they finished eating, Harris helped Isabella with the dishes. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to her. They worked together seamlessly, their movements synchronized as if they had done this a thousand times before.
 
As they dried the last dish and placed it back in the cabinet, Harris turned to Isabella with a smile. "Thank you for dinner, babe. It was exactly what I needed."
 
Isabella smiled back, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "You're welcome, Harris. I missed cooking for you. I hope we can have more nights like this."
 
Harris nodded, his expression filled with determination. "We will, Isabella. We'll make time for each other, no matter how busy life gets."
 
Isabella's heart swelled with love for the man standing before her. She knew that their relationship was not always easy, especially with their demanding schedules, but moments like these made it all worthwhile.
 
With the dishes done, they retired to the living room, where they curled up on the couch together. Harris rested his head on Isabella's lap, and she gently stroked his hair as they talked about their plans for the weekend.
 
As the evening turned into night, they found themselves lost in each other's company, savoring every moment they had together. It was a reminder that no matter how hectic life became, their love would always be a source of strength and solace.
 
As they drifted off to sleep that night, wrapped in each other's arms, Harris and Isabella knew that they were each other's refuge, their safe haven in a chaotic world. And with that thought, they fell asleep, knowing that the challenges of tomorrow could be faced as long as they were together.