The parking lot was nearly empty. The only sound was the low hum of a drive-thru speaker far behind you, barely audible under the weight of your heartbeat. The air smelled like pavement and vanilla milkshakes. And something else — something familiar. Like her.

You crossed your arms, trying to protect your shivering body from the slightly cold breeze. And now you were waiting for Paige after her basketball game.

You looked down at your phone. “Be there at 12 am.” Paige.

Your hands were cold, even though it wasn’t that cold outside. You didn’t know what to expect. You never did when it came to her.

And then she appeared. Like always.

“I took longer than I said, didn’t I?”

You turned. She was standing there — grey hoodie, backpack slung over one shoulder, hair tied up, eyes soft. So real, it almost hurt.

“You always look surprised to see me” she smiled.

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t. Because before you could say “I missed you”, she stepped closer.

And kissed you. Once. On your left cheek. Again. On the right. And then, a third time, just barely brushing the corner of your mouth —close enough that your breath caught in your throat.

You stared at her.

“Why do you do that?” you whispered.

“Do what?”

“Disappear.”

She smiled like she didn’t hear you. Or didn’t want to.

“You’re shaking” she said instead.

“I thought… maybe you were with Azzi” you said, eyes falling to the ground.

She laughed — not cruel, but quiet. Almost sad.

“You always think that.”

She pulled back. You reached out a little, not enough to stop her, just enough to regret it.

“Where are you going?”

“Shower.” she said simply, already walking away. Same as last time.

You stood in the dark. The parking lot was quiet again. Three kisses burning on your skin. Your heart aching in places only dreams could reach.

She never says goodbye.