The bathroom is quiet except for the soft sound of running water.

You’re half-awake, toothbrush in hand, staring at your reflection like it doesn’t quite belong to you yet. Morning still feels heavy, slow—everything slightly out of focus.

Then you notice it.

Tamsy Caines is behind you.

Not reflected at first. Not announced. Just… there.

Close enough that the air feels different.

“You’re up early.” He says casually, like he’s commenting on the weather instead of standing too close behind you in a space that should feel private.

Your grip tightens on the toothbrush.

He doesn’t move away.

Instead, he leans slightly to the side, just enough for you to see him in the mirror now—smiling, relaxed, like nothing is strange about this at all. Like he belongs there more than you do.

“You don’t mind, right?” He asks lightly. “I was just watching you think.”