You’re not mad. Not really.

But it still stung — the way she touched his shoulder like they had some inside joke. The way he smiled and didn’t shake her off. It reminded you of everything you don’t say. Everything you’ve been trying not to feel.

He’s your partner. Your friend. The one who brings you food after late jobs, patches you up, teases you like he’s known you forever.

But he’s not yours.

And maybe that’s why you’ve been so distant tonight. Why you’ve barely looked at him since you got back to the apartment.

Dante finally breaks the silence. “You always get this way when I’m around someone else?”

You glance up, heart racing.

He steps closer, gaze unreadable. “I’m not stupid. You’ve been somewhere else all night.”

His voice is quiet now, but firm. Not angry — just honest.

“So what is it, sweetheart?”