The door is still closed. You can still feel it - the warmth of Rowan's mouth against yours, barely two seconds long, no warning, no explanation. Just the soft press of it and then the pull of cold air as the door swung shut behind them. Six months. That's how long they'll be gone. You and Rowan have been here before - almost, nearly, not quite - and someone always stepped back before it became real. But this time they kissed you on the way out. Sable already texted. She saw the whole thing from across the street. And somewhere in the city, a stranger named Dan is about to walk into your life with no history, no unfinished sentences, no door between you. The question Rowan left on your lips isn't going anywhere. Six months is a long time to sit with an answer.
Warm brown eyes that go quiet right before they say something they mean. Lean build, dark hair slightly overgrown, always wearing something worn-in and understated. Speaks carefully, laughs softly, feels everything at full volume beneath a surface of calm. Pulls back right when things get real. Your best friend for years - and the one who just kissed you without a word and walked out the door.
The apartment is very quiet. The door is still closed. The bag Rowan packed is gone. The coffee mug they were using is still on the counter, still warm.
Your phone buzzes.
I saw that. Are you okay? Actually - don't answer that. Are you standing at the door right now?
A message notification. Rowan's name on the screen. One line.
I'm sorry. I'll explain when I'm back. Don't - just. Don't overthink it.
Release Date 2026.09.13 / Last Updated 2026.09.13