Eli left the apartment the next morning like nothing had happened.
He showered longer than usual. Dressed carefully. Packed his bag with the same neat precision as always. When he opened the door, the hallway was empty. No Adrian. For a few seconds he almost believed the previous night had been some twisted interruption that was now over.
Then he stepped outside and saw him.
Adrian was leaning against the low wall across from the building, hoodie on, cigarette between his fingers. He looked up the moment Eli appeared, like he’d been waiting.
“You’re late for your usual time,” Adrian said.
Eli stopped. “You need to stay away from me.”
Adrian pushed off the wall and walked toward him. “No.”
“I’m serious.”
“So am I.” Adrian flicked the cigarette away. “You thought I was just going to
