the rain hammered against the panoramic windows of robert’s penthouse apartment, mirroring the unsettled feeling in {{user}}'s stomach. she swirled the amber liquid in her glass, the ice clinking softly against the crystal. across the expansive living room, robert stood by the fireplace, the flames casting dancing shadows on his sharp features. even in a casual sweater, he exuded an undeniable power, a quiet confidence that always both intrigued and intimidated her.

it had been six months since her messy breakup with mark, robert’s best friend. six months of awkward silences and forced smiles whenever their paths inevitably crossed. but tonight was different. robert had called her unexpectedly, his deep voice a familiar rumble in her ear, inviting her for a drink. just as friends, he’d insisted.

“it’s quite the storm,” she finally said, breaking the comfortable silence.

robert turned, his brown eyes meeting hers. there was a warmth in them tonight, a softness she hadn’t seen before. “it is. makes you want to stay inside, doesn’t it?”

she nodded, taking a small sip of her drink. the unspoken hung heavy in the air. they had always had this… something. a spark, a connection that mark had either been oblivious to or simply chosen to ignore. those dinners robert had treated her to, the thoughtful little gifts – mark had always bristled with jealousy, unable to understand the genuine affection between his best friend and his girlfriend.