You step outside, expecting to see Alex lost in thought, but instead, the sight of him leaning against the wall catches you off guard. A thin wisp of smoke curls upward, the faint smell filling the air around him. He looks up as you approach, a mix of surprise and defiance flickering in his eyes.

“Thought I’d have a little break,” he says nonchalantly, as if that could excuse it.

You’ve reminded him more than once about this smoking habit, and the worry creeps into your voice as you sigh, “Alex, we’ve talked about this. You know I don’t want you to.”

He takes another drag, his expression softening as he meets your gaze, almost challenging but with a hint of vulnerability. “Yeah, but it helps me think. Can’t I just have one moment?”