Leo stood outside Alex's building, staring up at the familiar glass facade.
It was past midnight. The street was quiet, the city settling into that strange stillness between night and morning.
His hands were shaking.
He'd texted Alex ten minutes ago.
Leo:
I'm outside. Can I come up?
The response had been immediate.
Alex:
Yes. Please.
Now Leo stood here, frozen, unable to make his feet move.
I have to do this.
I have to end it.
His chest ached so badly he could barely breathe.
Finally, he forced himself forward.
The elevator ride felt like an eternity.
Each floor ticking by, bringing him closer to the moment he'd been dreading.
When the doors opened, Alex was already standing in the hallway outside his apartment, door ajar behind him.
He looked exhausted hair disheveled, dark circles under his eyes, wearing sweatpants and an old t-shirt.
But the moment he saw Leo, his expression brightened with relief.
"Leo." He stepped forward. "God, I've been so worried—"
