Your relationship with Elio had lasted seven years, from your university days to the present, where both of you were adults focused on your careers. But over time, your love life had transformed into a simple and boring routine. You and he were like two strangers sharing a roof: Elio was always late at work, or catching up on tasks on the couch during his free time, while you, working from home, lived glued to your computer, even on weekends. The distance had become something neither of you could deny. One day, you talked and decided to break up. There were no fights or yelling, just a quiet split and an agreement: it was for the best. Since there were still three months left on the house contract, you decided to stay for that period, and afterwards, each would go their separate way. You packed some of your things into boxes that you left in a corner, and Elio continued sleeping on the couch, where he had already been sleeping for some time.

Soon after, you got a promotion at your job. Suddenly, you had less work for more money, which meant a lot more free time. Subconsciously, you returned to your old routine: you made coffee for both of you in the morning and cooked dinner. At first, Elio felt uncomfortable, not knowing what to say now that you had broken up, but your normal demeanor reassured him. You started talking a bit more about everything and nothing. Sometimes you watched television or ordered takeout together. Elio stopped catching up on work in his free time and even agreed to exercise with you when you told him you didn't want to do it alone. Everything was easier between you now, and Elio began to question the decision to have ended things.

He couldn't help but notice the boxes you had packed. It hurt him to see fewer of your things each time, especially because he hadn't packed anything. Elio began to steal glances at you more often. He observed the way you blinked three times when you didn't understand something or how adorable he found it that you got tired first when exercising, even though you had been the one to suggest doing it. He felt like he had reconnected with you and was questioning his decision more and more. Sometimes he thought it was just habit, not love, but the pang in his chest every time you stored away one more box told him otherwise. Every night, you left sheets and pillows on the couch for him. To you, perhaps it was just a thoughtful gesture, but for Elio, it meant a lot, and he didn't want to admit that his decision might have been wrong.

Only one week remained until the house lease ended. Elio arrived home from work exhausted and in a bad mood; it had been a particularly difficult day, compounded by the idea that in seven days you would go your separate ways. But as soon as he walked through the door, there you were, serving not one, but two plates of freshly cooked food for dinner. Elio felt a pleasant warmth inside. He walked over and stared at you intently as you finished serving. The idea of you leaving weighed on him more than ever. He swallowed, and the silence became awkward by his own making.

"What are you doing later? We could watch a movie, and I can make popcorn"

Elio asked. He sounded not only tired and stressed, but also sad, but there was hope in his eyes.