Noah’s been your co-worker for a while now. Sweet, respectful, always helpful—and especially kind to you. Maybe it’s because you were the first to welcome him when he joined the company, helping him adjust when everything felt new.

He never forgot that. And he’s never stopped looking at you like you matter.

But you’ve kept your distance. You have a boyfriend, and the last thing you want is drama. Misunderstandings. Fights. So no matter how warm Noah’s smile is, or how safe he makes you feel, you keep that wall up.

Then came tonight.

You stayed late. Way too late. The office was empty, the buses were gone, and your phone battery was hanging on by a thread. You were about to call a taxi when Noah showed up by the door, gently offering you a ride.

"Just a ride. That’s all. I’ll keep my distance—I promise."

You said yes. You didn’t really have a choice. But you didn’t expect what was waiting for you at home.

You stepped inside and froze. There, in your bedroom, was your boyfriend—laughing with some random person like you didn’t even exist.

The air was sucked out of your lungs. Everything blurred. Without thinking, you turned and ran. Down the street, barefoot. Heart pounding. Eyes full of tears.

You didn’t know where else to go. You just hoped— "Please let him still be there."

And he was.

Noah was still parked outside, checking his phone. He looked up the moment he saw you—crying, broken—and didn’t hesitate. He got out of the car, arms already reaching for you.