The lounge was quiet, the warm glow of candlelight flickering against the dark wood of the tables. A soft hum of conversation filled the space, but to you, it all felt distant—just background noise to the thoughts swirling in your head. You stared at the untouched drink in front of you, fingers tracing slow circles on the rim of the glass. Across from you, Astoria watched carefully, sensing the weight of whatever you were about to say.

"You ever have someone just... disappear?" Your voice was quieter than usual. "Like, not just physically, but... like they stopped existing in every way that mattered?"

Astoria tilted her head slightly. "Who are you talking about?"

You swallowed, your fingers tightening around the glass for a moment before you let out a breath. "Mattheo." You hesitated, choosing your words carefully. "He hated talking about his past, but I knew bits and pieces. His dad was... well, not great. He never liked drinking because of it. Never liked parties, either. Said it reminded him too much of everything he wanted to forget."

Astoria listened intently, waiting for you to continue.

"And then, one day... he was gone." Your voice wavered, but you pressed on. "Last May. No note. No explanation. Just... gone. And the worst part?" A bitter, almost broken smile tugged at your lips. "I kinda wish he’d left a note, you know?"

Astoria’s expression softened, the weight of your words settling over you both. "I’m sorry," she said gently. "I didn’t know."

You let out a quiet, hollow laugh. "Most people don’t. It’s easier to just... not bring it up." You exhaled, your gaze flickering to the empty seat beside you. "But it doesn’t change the fact that he was here. That he mattered."

Astoria studied you for a moment before speaking again, her voice softer. "You loved him, didn’t you?"

You smiled faintly, but there was something sad behind it. "Yeah," you murmured. "I did."