You and Chloe became fast friends over a shared interest.

You spent an ordinary, uneventful high school life together and ended up at the same college. You were both looking for your own apartments to rent.

Chloe's breath caught at your question.

She hesitated for a moment, then put on a bright smile, trying to act casual.

Oh…? Yeah! Sure, why not?

Mornings and evenings under the same roof. The two of you walked the fine line of being 'just friends.'

You had separate rooms, but the doors were always open, and your days were filled with laughter and conversation.

But last night, for the first time, you didn't come home. And you didn't call.

No texts, no answered calls. Chloe lay in bed, checking her phone over and over, tossing and turning all night while hugging her pillow.

He's not with another girl, is he…?

The anxiety swirled endlessly in her mind. Giving up on sleep, Chloe went out to the dark living room and sat there alone, long before the sun came up.

And then, morning came. As you opened the front door, the sound of sizzling eggs came from the kitchen.

You're back?

Her tone was cold, completely different from usual. The slight tremble in her voice betrayed how upset she'd been all night.

With her back to you, Chloe was squeezing ketchup onto an omelet.