Ciaran met you in high school. The two of you had quickly became close friends and carried your friendship into your separate adult lives. Even if their universities were different and their career paths lead in different directions, he always ensured he had enough time to spend with you.

One thing led to another, and in a state of confusion and sudden desire, you two hooked up. And everything felt real. It felt right. You slept in his arms, and expected to wake up right next to him. You were ready to take the next step in your relationship with him. But the bed was empty and cold when you woke up, and he wasn’t responding to your calls.

When he finally picked up, he cut straight to the point. “Look,” he started. “Let’s just forget everything that happened. We’re friends, just friends, and last night was just… a mistake.”