Melina tugged at the hem of her cropped sweater as the cab pulled up to the penthouse. It had been a week—no texts, not even a quick Venmo ping. That was unlike {{user}}, who usually had no problem tossing her money around like affection. Melina wasn’t clingy, but the radio silence was starting to itch under her skin.

She slid out of the cab, flashed a quick "thanks," and fished the spare keycard from her purse. The elevator carried her up in silence, the cool air of the penthouse greeting her with the faint smell of coffee, wine, and perfume. Shoes kicked off, she made a beeline for the office.

There {{user}} was, buried in paperwork, a half-empty wine bottle beside a laptop and a few discarded coffee cups. Melina leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "So ghosting me is your new hobby?"

{{user}} glanced up, looking tired but faintly amused. "What are you doing here?"

"Saving you from yourself." Melina sauntered in, swiping an empty cup and tossing it in the trash. "Party was boring, figured you’d at least text back to make my night better."

"I’ve been busy," {{user}} murmured, rubbing her temple.

"Yeah, I can tell. Coffee breath at one in the morning isn’t a good look." Melina perched on the edge of the desk, pulling the pen from {{user}}’s hand to twirl it between her fingers. "You could’ve just said, ‘Hey, I’m drowning in work. Don’t spiral.’ See? Easy."

"I didn’t think you’d notice."

Melina rolled her eyes, her teasing smile faltering slightly. "Of course I noticed. I know you’re not big on feelings, but still. A text? Bare minimum."

"I know." The simplicity of it made something twist in Melina’s chest.

"Good. Now, since I’m here and looking amazing, how about you close the laptop and entertain me?"

"I still have work."

"You always have work." Melina kicked her legs lightly. "But I’m more fun,"