ex'

sleep. N

ouse that breathed differently at night. It wasn't loud. It wasn't emp

ll figuring ou

nes, but the pauses. The way his gaze lingered a second too long. The w

ly. Of cours

n't have mat

it

as ridiculous. He was my mum's boss. He owned the house I was sleeping in. He was in

d y

ain. That pull.

my phone. P

on a hoodie and stepping quietly into the hallway. The lights were dimmed,

tairs, bare feet sil

workplace and more like a shared secret. I poured myself

re up

arly

ned sh

led now, suit replaced with a dark T-shirt and lo

ckly. "Didn't mean t

he replied. "I

rse he

to the glass in m

g further inside. "

chen," I said.

," he said calmly.

ful inclusion. It unsettled me

y crossed. The silence stretched but not awkwardly.

n't help myself. "Do you alway

ntly. "Only when I su

ointed?"

tasted any

ffed.

The sound was low, brief but real

at's da

p?" I asked,

. "My mind doesn't

Wo

" he co

erstood that kin

raduation, everything went quie

then. Not asses

as someone who stays s

like feeli

t," he said

response caught

throat. "Based o

al and a debate abou

ow potential w

ful. Compliments from y

already have confide

shifted i

ed away

ounter. "I should go back before Mum wakes u

. "Goodnig

night,

steps then

back. "Thanks. For earli

. His expression softened

h my heart racing far too

-

orning came

Mark joined us briefly before leaving for work, suit back in place, mask fi

paused at

x," h

ed up.

o use the kit

hid a

eplied. "You mi

he said and t

than necessary, starin

know wha

w one thin

dn't ordered tha

he'd ea