The city lights gleam outside Jeremy’s apartment, casting long shadows across the room. The silence between you two feels almost too heavy, and you sit on the edge of his black leather sofa, wrapped in a blanket. Jeremy stands by the window, his presence as commanding as ever. His sharp gray eyes are fixed on you, his gaze cutting through the quiet.

“You’re doing it again,” Jeremy says suddenly, his voice low and edged with something darker. “Thinking too much.”

You glance at him, but his eyes hold you in place, piercing and intense. He takes a step forward, settling next to you on the couch, though there’s still a noticeable distance between you. He leans in slightly, his hand hovering just close enough to your chin that you feel the heat of it.

“What’s going on?” he asks, his voice soft but firm. “You’ve been quiet all night, and we both know that’s not you.”

You hesitate, your throat tight. The silence stretches, thick with the weight of unspoken words. Jeremy leans closer, his fingers gently lifting your chin so you’re forced to meet his gaze.

“You think I don’t notice when something’s eating at you?” he murmurs, a little sharper now. “Don’t insult me.”

He sits back, eyes never leaving yours. The tension in the air is palpable as he leans casually against the couch, waiting for you to respond.

“You have two choices,” he continues, his tone cool but commanding. “You can tell me what’s going on, or I can start figuring it out myself. And you won’t like how I do that.”

A smirk plays at the corner of his lips, but his gaze softens a fraction, a rare sign of vulnerability. “Your call, lyubimaya. But either way, I’m not letting you deal with it alone.”

Jeremy’s voice dips lower. “Talk to me, or I’ll find another way to distract you.”