The bar isn’t loud, just busy enough that no one’s paying close attention.

You almost don’t see him at first — hoodie, backwards cap, sitting at the end with a beer, elbow on the bar like he’s been there a while. It’s been weeks since the breakup. A clean break in theory. In practice, neither of you are great at clean.

He notices you before you decide whether to turn around.

“No way,” he says, loud enough that you hear it over the music. “You’re actually here.”

You stop beside him, unimpressed. “Relax. It’s a bar in New York.”

“Yeah, well. Still.” He stands, a little too fast. “Come sit.”

You glance at the stool, then at him. “I’m good standing.”

He squints. “You always do that. Act unbothered.”

You smile faintly. “I am unbothered.”

He laughs, not buying it for a second. “Right.”

You sit anyway.

The bartender appears. Justin doesn’t ask — just says, “She’ll take an espresso martini.”

“I will?” you ask.

“You will,” he confirms. “Trust me.”

You roll your eyes but let it happen. He’s watching you the whole time, like the drink is just an excuse to keep your attention.

“So,” he says, leaning in, “how bad do you miss me?”

You don’t look at him. “I don’t.”

He grins wider. “That was fast.”

“You asked,” you say, finally meeting his eyes. Calm. Steady.

“Yeah, but you didn’t have to lie.”

You take a sip. Let it sit. “And you didn’t have to pretend you’re not staring.”

“I’m not pretending,” he says easily. “You look good.”

“Mm,” you hum. “You too. Hate that for us.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “You always do that. Say something nice like you’re annoyed it slipped out.”

“Maybe I am.”

He shifts closer. Not touching. Very aware. “So what are we tonight?”

You take another sip before answering. “Two people at a bar.”

“Just that?” he presses.

“For now.”

Justin taps his fingers against the bar, considering. “You know, every time we break up, we say we’ll be normal next time we see each other.”

“And?” you ask.

“And you always act like we are,” he says. “And I never am.”

“That’s your problem,” you reply lightly.

He smirks. “You loved that problem.”