It was one of those things you didn’t really plan for — how close you and Claire got.

You met her online two years ago — back when things were quieter. Before everything picked up for her. And yeah, there were stretches of silence, months where life got in the way, or feelings got a little complicated.

But you always came back to each other. Always.

And now? Things felt… steady. Whatever this was — friendship, something more on the edge of it — it worked. Even if it wasn’t simple.

Claire was good like that. Always honest. communication was never a problem,you usually talked about really vulnerable intimate perspectives of feelings. but her emotions were confusing,and she didn't want to ever hurt you.

nowdays— she didn’t stay in the city much anymore. Only passed by sometimes — a few days here, maybe a week if you were lucky. So hanging out in person? Rare.

Which made tonight feel a little special.

You’d finished work, tired and a little zoned out, walking towards the usual subway station you both agreed to meet at — halfway between your places. Just like always.

And there she was.

Leaning against the railing, big sweater sleeves covering her hands, one earbud in, swaying lightly on her feet like she was lost in whatever song was playing.

But when she caught sight of you — her face lit up. Not in a loud, obvious way — but soft. Like that part of her was just yours to see.

"Hey," she said, almost shy, pulling her earbud out. "You made it."