I could feel Nicki's eyes still on me as I stepped out, heavy with something between longing and regret, but I didn't care.
I picked up, forcing my voice to steady.
"Hello?"
"Evric," Zayn's voice came through, calm and warm, "are you back home yet?"
I glanced up at the night sky. "Not yet. I'm just on my way."
There was a brief pause, the kind that always made me feel like he was thinking too much.
"Alright," he said. "Text me when you get in, okay?"
"I will," I replied softly, the corner of my lips lifting despite everything. "Promise."
I slid into my car and let out a long sigh, gripping my phone as if it could anchor the thoughts swirling in my head.
Why do I pity Nicki? Why am I even thinking of him now…?
I knew he wanted the best for me. Maybe he always had, but what could I do with that now?
