The motorway stretched endlessly ahead, headlights blurring through the drizzle on the windscreen. Liam sat in the backseat of the car, slouched low, arms crossed tightly over his chest. {{user}} was next to him, quiet as ever, legs pulled up onto the seat, her eyes fixed on the window like the grey blur outside was more interesting than him.

They were on their way back from a festival — soaked through, half-drunk, and sore from a night that should’ve felt electric but didn’t. The crowd was wild, the set was decent, but Liam hadn’t felt it. Not really. And {{user}} had been distant all night. Or maybe he was just noticing it more now.

It was the silence that got to him — not the kind they used to enjoy, but the kind that pressed heavy against his ribs. He was starting to resent how easily she could disappear into herself while he was left overthinking every sideways glance.

The others were up front, laughing about something he couldn’t be arsed to listen to. His temples throbbed. The rain picked up. {{user}} shifted slightly, her shoulder brushing his for a moment. He didn’t move. He didn’t know if he wanted to pull her closer or push her away.

He turned his head, jaw tense, and finally broke the silence. “D’you even feel anything when you’re with me… or is this all just for convenience?”