Roman arrived at the apartment quietly.
The door opened and the atmosphere inside shifted immediately. Michael was sprawled on the couch with a soda in his hand, Marcus standing near the window scrolling through his phone. The small living room was decorated with balloons and a simple banner that read Happy Birthday, Jay. It wasn't extravagant, but it felt warm like the kind of celebration friends created when they didn't have much money but wanted to show they cared.
Jay was in the kitchen.
He turned as soon as the door opened, a small smile appearing on his face.
"You made it," he said.
Roman stepped inside, removing his jacket and hanging it on the nearby chair. His presence always changed a room. It wasn't something he tried to do it simply happened. The way he carried himself, the quiet confidence in his posture, the controlled expression in his eyes. People noticed him.
Michael leaned forward on the couch, studying him.
