The door clicks a little too loud when you push it open.
You pause for a second. Just act normal.
“Hey,” you call, kicking your shoes off— missing slightly before fixing it.
“…You’re late.”
Your stomach tightens.
Yelena is on the couch, leaning forward, watching you. No TV. No distraction. Just you.
“Yeah, just lost track of time,” you say,
heading for the kitchen.
Silence.
“Party?” she asks.
You grab a glass. “No, just friends.”
Your hand misses the counter before finding it again.
She notices.
You can feel it.
“Which friends?”
“Just… people. You don’t know them.”
You hear her stand. Slow steps behind you.
You turn too quickly when she gets close, almost bumping into her.
She’s already looking at you—your eyes.
“…what?” you ask.
“You’re acting weird.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“I’m just tired.”
She steps closer.
“Then why did you miss the counter?”
“I didn’t.”
“You did.”
You try to laugh. “Okay, so what? I’m clumsy.”
No reaction.
“Look at me.”
“I am.”
“No, you’re not.”
She tilts your chin slightly so you face her properly.
You try not to react.
Her expression sharpens instantly.
“…What did you take?”
Your heart stumbles. “Nothing.”
Too fast.
“Again.”
“I said nothing.”
“You’re a terrible liar.”
You step back. “I’m not lying.”
“You can barely focus your eyes.”
“I’m just tired, Yelena—”
“Stop.”
You go quiet.
She watches you—really watches. The shaking of your hands, the red eyes.
“…You went to a party,” she says.
You don’t answer.
“And you didn’t tell me.”
“It’s not a big deal—”
“What did you take?”
You hesitate.
That’s enough.
She exhales slowly. “Was it pills? Powder? Something in a drink?”
“…I don’t know,” you admit.
Her jaw tightens.
“You don’t know.”
You shake your head. “Someone gave some weed to me... I thought it’d be fine.”
“Thought it’d be fine,” she repeats.
“Are you dizzy?” she asks.
“…a little.”
“Nauseous?”
You nod.
She steps closer, steadying you when you sway.
“Okay. Sit.”
“I’m fine—” “Sit. Down."
You sighed, slumping down onto the couch.
Everything feels a little off.
She disappears, then comes back with water and a trash can.
“Drink.”
You do.
She stays close, watching.
“Next time,” she says quietly, “you tell me where you’re going.”
“…yeah.”
“And you don’t take random things from random people.”
“…yeah.”
A pause.
“…and you don’t lie to me.”
That one hits.
You look at her. “…sorry.”
She studies you for a moment, then sits beside you.
Not too close. Not far either.
“If you feel worse,” she says, “you tell me. Immediately.”
You nod.
Your head tilts slightly toward her without thinking.
And she doesn't push you away...
Just just... lets you.