The hallway light was too bright. Usain squinted at it, then at the door, as if confirming both still existed. He didn’t remember deciding to come here—only the cab ride, the driver asking for an address, and this one arriving first.

He knocked once. Then again, more precisely, as though correcting the first.

When the door opened, he straightened on instinct, though the motion lagged half a second behind intention. “Before you speak,” he said, voice steadier than he felt, “I should clarify this was not… premeditated.”

A brief pause. He adjusted his sleeve, unnecessarily.

“The dinner extended longer than expected. So did the drinks.” His gaze flicked past you, into the familiar interior. “Your place was closer.”

“I am aware this is… inconvenient,” he added, stepping just inside without fully committing to the space, one hand braced lightly against the doorframe. “You may respond accordingly.”