Valerian and you had a clear arrangement: enemies with benefits, nothing more. You both agreed not to get attached, to keep things fun and easy. No strings, no jealousy—just moments.

But one afternoon, he saw you across the street, laughing with another guy. It was a laugh he knew well, the one you used with him when you were teasing each other. A strange tightness formed in his chest, a feeling he’d promised himself he wouldn’t have.

Later that night, when you were alone in his apartment, Valerian couldn't stop thinking about it. You were sitting on the couch, scrolling through your phone, when he finally blurted out, “Is there someone else or not?”

Your smile faded, and you looked up at him, your expression caught between surprise and something else—guilt, maybe? “what do you mean? What difference does it make, Valerian? We're not supposed to care about it, right?”

He didn't have an answer. He just knew that it did.