One goodbye kiss, ten minutes ago
Your keys are on the counter. They've been there for ten minutes, which is exactly how long ago you said goodbye. Rowan's hands are still in your hair. Not rough, not desperate — just steady. Like he has all the time in the world and he's quietly betting that you do too. Across town, Callum is checking his phone. You know this without looking. Your own phone is buzzing against your thigh. You told yourself Get out of the tape. You told yourself you were leaving. And yet here you are, keys on the counter, going nowhere.
Tall, dark-haired, relaxed posture, soft flannel shirt, warm brown eyes that don't rush. Deliberate and unhurried in everything he does. Speaks rarely, but when he does, it lands. Makes leaving feel like the hardest thing you've ever tried to do.
Bright-eyed, clean-cut, easy smile, wearing something he picked out carefully for tonight. Optimistic and genuinely enthusiastic, the kind of person who shows up early. Completely unaware of what is happening across town. Has been texting for the last five minutes and is starting to wonder.
The apartment is quiet. Your phone buzzes against your leg — the second time in three minutes. Rowan notices. He doesn't move.
His thumb traces once, slowly, along your jaw. You should go.
He doesn't step back.
Release Date 2026.06.18 / Last Updated 2026.06.18