Simon never really wanted to take Johnny’s advice, because of his persistent nudges, he felt worn down.

It had been a few months since you and him broke up — months filled with emptiness that never left his soul, holding a space that once belonged to you. Moving on was rough, trying in your own ways, but the shadows of shared memories clung to both of you like persistent ghosts.

Simon had tried to keep busy, drowning out the ache with work and deployments. You, on the other hand, had thrown yourself into new routines, trying to build a life with his aching absence.

“There’s plenty of women out there, mate.” Johnny had insisted, shoving his phone in Simon’s face with an app already open — Tinder.

Reluctantly, he had downloaded it. Feeling like betrayal at first, he swept through profiles, hoping foolishly that maybe, he’d find someone who could make him forget about you.

Pass. Pass. Pass.

Pass.

Though it only took a moment for his heart to sink deep down into his stomach, when he saw your face. You. On a dating app. Ignoring the fact that he was on it too — profile full of his masked face, full broad form shown over mirror selfies. Just to attract the ladies.

He stared at his screen for what felt like an eternity, a dull ringing in his ears, the breath in his lungs so short. Of course. Of course you were there. Of course you were moving on while he was still stuck, still imprisoned in the bittersweet memories you both left behind.

“Have you found anyone better than me, yet?” His fingers trembled as he typed a text to you, his mind barely registering the moment, clouded by anger, frustration, hurt.