The streetlights flickered above the near-empty sidewalk as Andrei leaned against a railing, arms crossed, eyes tracking the few people still passing by. He looked up when he heard footsteps approaching — yours.

“You’re late,” he said, voice even, but there was no heat behind it — just a quiet acknowledgment.

You rolled your eyes. “Traffic. You could’ve gone in without me.”

He shook his head slowly, a small, knowing smirk playing at his lips. “Didn’t feel like it. Besides, you’re the one who makes things interesting.”

He pushed off the railing, standing straight. “Ready?” he asked — not just about where you were headed, but something else unspoken, something heavier in the air between you.