Right as I’m about to leave — the door opens again.
Cassian steps out, already halfway outside before it shuts behind him.
He looks — off.
Tense. Rushed. Something in his eyes that he covers quickly when he sees me.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” He whisper-yells.
And just like that I feel like I’ve done something wrong.
Again.
After last night.
After everything.
AfterI need you so much, Ro.
I thought it was different now.
“I — sorry.” I drop my gaze. “It’s just — I wanted to see if you wanted to come over.”
He drags a hand through his hair, pacing once across the porch.
“No,” he says finally. “I don’t want to hang out, Ro.”
That stings more than I expect.
I need you so much,Ro.
“Please just go home.”
The door closes behind him before I can say anything else.
And I’m left standing there.
Alone.
Again.
• • •
I don’t remember the walk back.
Just the feeling.
Heavy.
Empty.
And the strange thing is —
I’ve been on that porch before.
Just not like this.
• • •
