Don't fall for him. Don't fall for anyone.
You're not here to feel—you're here to finish the task.
"Now hit me."
Archie grinned like this was the best part of his day. I didn't need further encouragement.
I threw a punch at his shoulder. He ducked. Another—he sidestepped. Again—he laughed.
We kept going like that for a while—strike, dodge, spin, breathe. The sun hadn't fully risen yet, the air crisp and sharp with early morning cold. My limbs ached, but it was a welcome ache. It dulled the noise in my head.
I hadn't seen Andrew since last night.
Not that I was looking.
Not that I noticed.
"Good job," Archie said eventually, brushing sweat from his brow. "We're done for today."
He patted my shoulder and I gave him a small smile in return. The kind that looked more like politeness
