Ethan had no idea how long Vanessa had been asleep on him, but judging by the growing numbness in his leg, it had been too long.

    He wasn''t complaining — yet — but she wasn''t exactly light when she was dead weight.

    The only thing that finally saved him?

    The doorbell.

    He perked up instantly, remembering their lifeline to survival.

    "Pizza."

    His stomach rumbled in agreement.

    The problem? Vanessa was still sprawled across him like a cat who had decided he was her personal furniture.

    Ethan sighed. "Vanessa. Vanessa."

    She groaned, burying herself further into his shirt.

    He nudged her shoulder. "Get up. Food''s here."

    "...Mmm."

    "That was not a real response."

    She peeked one eye open, looking up at him with the drowsy face of a woman who clearly did not care about his struggles.

    Ethan pointed at the door. "Move."

    Vanessa clamped onto him like a koala. "No."

    Ethan exhaled through his nose, bracing himself.

    "Alright, you asked for it."

    Before she could react, he grabbed her by the waist and rolled her off.

    She yelped, flailing as she landed sideways onto the couch. "ETHAN!"

    Ethan was already up, victorious, stretching his stiff muscles. "Sorry, necessary sacrifice."

    She glared at him like he had just committed a federal crime.

    "You threw me."

    "I moved you."

    "That was an attack."

    Ethan smirked. "Sue me."

    She grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.

    Ethan ducked just in time, the pillow soaring past his head like a missile.

    He whistled. "Damn. That almost took me out."

    Vanessa stretched, yawning dramatically. "Should''ve aimed for the legs."

    Ethan rolled his eyes and made his way to the door.

    By the time he reached it, one of the gatemen had already brought the pizza over, standing patiently with the box in hand.

    "Appreciate it, man." Ethan took the box and flashed a grateful nod.

    The gateman nodded back. "Enjoy your meal, sir."

    Ethan stepped back inside and kicked the door closed behind him.

    "What?" he asked warily, wiping his mouth.

    "You drink way too fast."

    Ethan shrugged. "I''m efficient."

    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "You drink soda like it''s a shot of tequila."

    "Maybe that''s how I handle all my problems."

    She snorted but didn''t argue.

    Instead, she grabbed her own soda, popped it open, and took a tiny, smug sip.

    Ethan narrowed his eyes. "What, you savor it?"

    "Yes." She sighed dramatically, leaning back. "Some of us like to actually enjoy life."

    Ethan threw a pizza crust at her.

    Vanessa caught it mid-air, bit into it without hesitation, and smirked.

    Ethan blinked. "That was actually kinda impressive."

    Vanessa wiggled her eyebrows. "I have fast reflexes. Racer perks."

    Ethan took another bite of pizza. "Oh yeah? Then why''d I manage to push you off me earlier?"

    Her smugness vanished instantly.

    "You''re still on that?"

    "I think it was a highlight of my day."

    Vanessa grabbed another pillow.

    Ethan immediately held up his hands. "Okay, okay! I take it back — "

    Too late.

    The pillow smacked him square in the face.

    Ethan fell back into the couch dramatically. "I am under attack!"

    Vanessa cackled. "That''s what you get!"

    Ethan groaned, rubbing his face. "I don''t deserve this."

    "You absolutely do."

    Ethan sighed, accepting his fate. He sat up again and went for another slice of pizza.

    Vanessa watched him closely.

    Ethan paused.

    "What?" he asked, mid-bite.

    "You eat like a raccoon that just discovered pizza for the first time."

    Ethan nearly choked. "Excuse me?"

    Vanessa pointed at his plate. "You don''t even let the food settle before going for the next bite."

    Ethan squinted. "And you''re just watching me eat?"

    Vanessa shrugged. "It''s fascinating."

    Ethan sighed. "You need a hobby."