After my time with Aaron, he had dropped me off at the new apartment.
We lingered outside for a moment, neither of us speaking. He stared at the building, shoulders slumped slightly, and let out a long, heavy sigh. I held his hand before he could pull away.
"I swear it's only because my apartment was sold," I murmured, keeping my voice low, almost pleading. "Once the tickets are ready… I'll leave with you."
He smiled faintly, but it didn't reach his eyes. That faint, distant smile made my chest ache. "I believe you,"
he said softly, releasing my hand with a reluctance that made my stomach twist. His head stayed glued to the ground as he walked, kicking at tiny tile stones on the pavement with slow, absent-minded taps.
When he finally reached his car, he looked up and gave me one last smile—a little more genuine, but still touched with quiet sadness. Then he climbed in and drove off, the smile fading the moment he was gone.
