you were in his apartment when he stepped out of the shower, steam trailing behind him. startled, you dropped the purse in your hands and laughed softly. he asked if you liked it—you nodded. “you can have it,” he said, then lit a cigarette and sank into the couch, inviting you over with a quiet gesture. the silence between you was heavy, unspoken, but something about it felt real. so you stayed.