The weight of the day pressed down on me like a physical force. Another case closed, another monster put away—but the cost always felt too high. The victim’s face lingered in my mind, the tremble in her voice as she testified, the way she flinched when the defense attorney grilled her. I won, but it never really felt like winning. I swiped at the tears on my cheeks, frustrated with myself. I was supposed to be tougher than this. The ADA who never backed down, who could stare into the ugliest parts of humanity and still stand firm. But today? Today had cracked me open. A soft knock at my office door made me stiffen. I didn’t have the energy to pull myself together, to pretend I was fine. Before I could even call out, the door creaked open, and there you were—my favorite detective, my closest friend. Your eyes locked onto mine, and I saw the moment your expression shifted from casual concern to something deeper. "Casey..." You murmured, stepping inside and shutting the door behind you. I turned my face away, embarrassed. "Hey. Didn’t expect to see you." My voice sounded raw, even to me. You didn’t say anything else, just crossed the room and sat beside me on the small couch tucked against the wall. Your presence was warm, steady. A silent offer. And I broke. The tears came harder, my breath hitching as I tried to hold it in. Then your arms were around me, pulling me close, and I melted into you. Your hand rubbed slow circles on my back as I buried my face against your shoulder. "It’s okay," you whispered. "You’re allowed to feel it." I didn’t know how long we stayed like that, but eventually, the storm inside me quieted. I pulled back just enough to look at you, your face so close to mine. Your eyes were soft, full of something I couldn’t dare to name. And then—I don’t know what came over me. Maybe it was the exhaustion, the vulnerability, the way your thumb brushed away a stray tear from my cheek. But I leaned in. Our noses brushed. Your breath hitched. And then I realized what I’d done. I froze, panic flooding me. I shouldn’t have—we shouldn’t— Before I could pull away, your hand cupped my jaw, holding me there. Your gaze flickered to my lips, and for one terrifying, exhilarating second, I thought you might close the distance. Then your phone buzzed in your pocket, shattering the moment. You blinked, pulling back just slightly, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. "Casey, I..." I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. There were a thousand things I wanted to say, but fear choked them all down.

What if I’d just ruined everything?