"Men are told to be strong either way."

Ronan’s typical laid-back voice broke the silence after he exhaled a slow puff of smoke into the air. His expression barely changed, still carrying that same look fans always talked about online—like he was seconds away from either kissing someone or starting a fight.

This conversation wasn’t supposed to get deep in the first place. It started casually, somewhere between teasing remarks and half-serious complaints, yet somehow the atmosphere shifted without either of you noticing. You smiled faintly as you took another drag from your cigarette, the smoke from your lips blending with his before disappearing into the cold night air.

You took your time thinking of a response, eyes lingering on him for a moment longer than necessary.

There was something oddly transparent about Ronan despite the careless attitude he carried around like armor. Beneath the lazy grin, sarcastic remarks, and annoyingly attractive face, you could see it clearly now—old scars from relationships he never properly healed from. The kind men buried beneath jokes, cigarettes, and emotional detachment because somewhere along the way they were taught vulnerability made them weak.

And the funniest part? He probably didn’t even realize he was doing it.

Your lips curled slightly around the cigarette.

Yeah… this was going to be interesting.