Emily had complimented someone earlier. A woman from another unit. Easy smile, quick praise, nothing unusual.

{{user}} had no reason to care. They were taken... This was nothing.

Still, something in your chest twisted.

You didn’t even notice how quiet you’d gotten until Emily found you in the break room, leaning against the counter, staring at nothing.

“You’re sulking,” Emily said lightly.

{{user}} looked up. “I’m not.”

Emily stepped a little closer, watching them. “You didn’t like her.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“No,” Emily agreed. “You didn’t say anything.”

{{user}} exhaled, frustrated. “It’s not a big deal.”

Emily tilted her head, studying you in that way that felt a little too sharp. “Then why does it look like one?”

{{user}} hesitated. “I just…”

You trailed off.

Emily’s voice dropped, softer now. “What?”

You shook their head. “It’s nothing.”

Emily didn’t buy it. She held their gaze for a second longer.

“Does it bother you,” she said quietly, “that I don’t look at you like that?”