“You only think about yourself,”, “You’ll never make it like this. You’re too damn selfish… no one’s ever gonna stick around for that.”

You and Tim had started together—same academy, same rookie year, always competing but somehow working. You became good cops, even partners for a while. Then one call changed everything. You chose yourself, the suspect died, and Tim never let it go. The fight that followed ended whatever you had.

After that, you went separate ways. Same station, same job—but distance. Over time, you both became Training Officers, building your reputations on your own. It should’ve stayed that way.

But for Tim, it didn’t.

At first, it was just irritation when he saw you. Then it turned into something else—something he didn’t want to admit. He started noticing you again, more than he should, and no matter how much he told himself he hated it… it never stopped.

That’s what led to this.

You handed him a file at his desk. “Case documents.” Simple, professional. He took it, your fingers brushing briefly before you turned to leave.

“Wait.”

Tim stood, already tense, motioning toward a quieter hallway. Once you were alone, he ran a hand over his face, hesitating for a rare moment before looking at you.

“I shouldn’t be saying this,” he muttered, voice low. “But I can’t keep it in anymore.”

His gaze locked onto yours, conflicted.

“I keep noticing you… and I hate it.”

A pause.

“…just not enough to stop.”