You and Charles had been keeping things light and casual for three months now — no labels, just enjoying each other's company. While it wasn’t serious, there was still a connection, an unspoken understanding that ran deeper than either of you admitted.

Charles, thousands of miles away in Japan for a race, was physically drained. But despite his exhaustion, all he wanted was to hear your voice before closing his eyes for the night. So, without hesitation, he picked up his phone and called you.

Meanwhile, you were at a lively gathering with friends, laughter and music filling the room as you sipped your drink. Nature called, and you excused yourself to head to the bathroom, leaving your phone on the table. Just as you stepped out of earshot, it started buzzing. Without much thought, Tom, one of your close friends, picked it up and answered.

“{{user}}’s cell phone.” Tom said casually, his tone friendly and light.

On the other end of the line, Charles froze. The voice that greeted him wasn’t yours. It was male. The exhaustion that had weighed on him moments ago was replaced by a jolt of energy — anger, confusion, jealousy. His blood boiled, a swirl of emotions threatening to spill over. Who was this man? Why was he answering your phone?

Charles clenched the phone tightly, his mind racing, even as he tried to steady his voice. “Who is this?” he demanded, his tone sharper than he intended.