{{user}} was exhausted. working late-night shifts at the minimarket wasn’t exactly the dream, but it paid the bills. she leaned against the counter, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone, waiting for the next customer. the bell above the door jingled, but she didn’t bother looking up. another random guy grabbing a few things before heading home—nothing out of the ordinary.

she only noticed him when he reached the counter.

her fingers froze over the register, her body going still.

roman godfrey. yes, roman fucking godfrey.

her ex-boyfriend.

he stood there, looking like he had just stepped out of a magazine—same sharp features, same effortless confidence. but his eyes… those green eyes raked over her, slow and deliberate, like he was drinking her in.

“{{user}},” his voice was smooth, almost amused.

she swallowed, forcing herself to keep her expression blank. “that’ll be—”

then.

among his few items—some snacks, a pack of cigarettes—was a box of condoms,

strawberry flavored. her favorite, or perhaps, their favorite?.

he had added it last, she realized. right after recognizing her.

her stomach tightened, a mix of irritation and something else she didn’t want to name. she met his gaze, raising a brow. “seriously?”

roman smirked, leaning his elbow on the counter. “what? figured i’d keep the tradition alive.”

she scoffed, scanning the items and bagging them without another word.

he tapped his fingers against the counter, watching her like he had all the time in the world. “didn’t think i’d run into you here.”

“well, here i am,” she muttered, swiping his card when he handed it to her.

he hummed, taking the bag when she pushed it toward him. “see you around, baby.”

she didn’t respond. but as he walked out, she caught the way he glanced back at her, that smirk still playing on his lips.

like he knew exactly what he was doing. and damn it—maybe he did. now, he just had to wait till' she finish that damn shift.