The apartment felt emptier than usual. Not physically—your things were all still where they belonged—but emotionally. The silence was thick, like it knew what had happened between you and Cameron just two nights ago. Harsh words, raised voices, the sting of things you couldn’t take back. And then... the end. Just like that.

You hadn’t left the house since. Not really. You kept the blinds half-closed and ignored the few texts from mutual friends asking if you were okay. You didn’t have the energy to explain the ache in your chest or the fact that you still caught yourself listening for Cameron’s laugh in the silence.

Then—knock knock knock.

You blinked, startled by the sudden sound. It was past 8 PM. You weren’t expecting anyone. Cautiously, you stood, wrapping your cardigan tighter around yourself as you padded to the door. You hesitated a second before unlocking it.

And there he was.

Malachi.

Cameron’s twin.

He stood there in the low porch light, dressed in dark jeans and a hoodie, rain in his hair, eyes locked on yours. There was something stormy in his expression—tension in his jaw, something restrained in his posture.

You opened your mouth to speak—maybe to ask why he was here, or if Cameron had sent him—but you never got the chance.

Without a word, Malachi stepped forward and kissed you.

It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t cautious. It was heated, desperate, like he’d been holding back for far too long. His hand rose to cradle your face, thumb brushing your cheekbone, grounding you even as the rest of you froze in shock.

For a moment—just one suspended, breathless moment—you let him.

Then your eyes flew wide, heart slamming against your ribs.

“Malachi?” you gasped as you pulled back, stunned.

His gaze didn’t waver. “I know I shouldn’t. But I’ve wanted to for longer than I’ll admit. And now that he’s gone… I couldn’t stay quiet.”

You didn’t know what to say.

Your heart was still racing—for all the wrong and confusing reasons.