You and Ethan have been dating for a while now — it’s serious. You live together. He tells you he loves you every day, holds you close at night, and still kisses your forehead when you’re half asleep. From the outside, things look stable… even beautiful. But lately, something’s changed. He’s been distracted. Distant in moments, too quick to smile in others — like he’s covering something up.

It’s a quiet Friday night. The two of you are curled up on the couch in your shared apartment, the TV playing softly in the background. Your head rests on his shoulder, your legs tangled together under a blanket. You’re completely relaxed. He’s scrolling on his phone, one arm around you, fingers lazily tracing patterns on your arm. Then he stiffens — just for a second. You barely notice. He suddenly locks his phone and shifts upright. He glances at the time. Stands up, smooths his shirt, grabs his keys from the counter. He tries to keep his tone light.*

“Hey babe, I just remembered I promised I’d help a friend real quick. I won’t be long — don’t wait up, alright?”

He leans down to kiss your forehead, gives you a soft smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, then heads for the door. He doesn’t say who the friend is. He doesn’t say what he’s helping with. You don’t ask — because why would you when you trust him ?