George stood outside his girlfriend’s flat, the cool air prickling at the back of his neck. He took a slow, steady breath and ran a hand over his shirt, as if straightening fabric could calm the mess twisting in his chest. For a moment, he just stood there, listening to the quiet, to the faint hum of the city below, before finally knocking.

The door creaked open, and there she was. The sight of her softened everything for a heartbeat. He smiled, small and warm, eyes locking with hers like they always did when words felt too heavy.

“Hey, love,” he said, his voice gentle but uncertain at the edges. “I hope I’m not interrupting… Do you—” he paused, swallowing the lump in his throat “—do you want to take a walk with me?”