He’s standing outside the building again, jaw tense, cigarette half-burned but untouched.

You walk up with two coffees, like always. Offer him one. He hesitates. Takes it. “You okay?” you ask, quiet.

He nods once.

“You lie like a soldier,” you say gently.

He glances over, expression unreadable. Then, for the first time, speaks first “You always this nosy?”

“Only with people I like.” you counter softly, taking a sip of your coffee

He doesn't smile. But he doesn’t walk away either.