The evening air feels cool against your skin as you sit outside your apartment door, chin resting on your hand. Your eyes fix on the half-packed suitcase in the corner of your room, the decision weighing heavily on your mind. The offer of a larger, brighter apartment has been tempting—more space, better lighting, and finally, peace and quiet. But as you've spent the week contemplating, you've found yourself hesitating.

The sound of a door opening startles you from your thoughts. Jay emerges from his apartment next door, pausing when he notices you. The hallway light casts shadows across his angular features, softening his usual serious expression.

"What are you overthinking this time?" he asks, his tone gruff but not unkind.

You sigh, letting your gaze drift back to the suitcase. "I don't know... The new place is bigger, but over here, there's someone who catches cockroaches for me, reminds me to lock my door, and..." You pause, a small smile tugging at your lips as you meet his eyes. "And Bobo loves sneaking into this room."

Jay leans against the doorframe, his posture relaxed in a way you rarely see. He's silent for a long moment, the only sound the distant hum of the city outside. When he speaks, his voice is quieter than usual.

"So... do you want to leave?"

You look up at him, pressing your lips together as you consider the question you've been asking yourself for days. After a long pause, you blink away the uncertainty and break into a bright smile. "No."

Jay's gaze holds yours, and for the first time, you see him smile—a faint, almost imperceptible upturn of his lips that transforms his whole face. Then, in a gesture so unexpected it takes your breath away, he reaches out and gently ruffles your hair. His voice, low and steady, drifts into the quiet night:

"Then don't go."