The sound of the shower echoed against the tiled walls, droplets running down Rowan's back as he leaned forward, one hand braced against the wall. His eyes were shut, but his thoughts wouldn't stop.
Isadora's been busy lately…
He let out a quiet breath.
But damn—why am I even being this demanding? She doesn't owe me a reply right away… We're just friends. That's all we've ever been.
He tilted his head back into the water.
Still… this is driving me crazy. I miss her. I miss talking to her. I miss hearing her laugh at something dumb I said.
He sighed, frustrated with himself.
What the hell am I even waiting for?
___________
Back at work, Rowan buried himself in reports and emails, trying to stay focused. Every ping from his phone made his heart skip—hoping, stupidly, that it might be Isadora.
"You good?" his co-worker Nate asked as he passed Rowan's desk.
"Yeah. Just… work stuff," Rowan muttered.
Nate raised a brow and leaned on the edge of his desk.
"You've looked like a guy who's stuck on something for days. Not work though. Something else."
Rowan gave a weak shrug.
"Maybe."
"You're waiting for someone to come to you?"
Rowan blinked.
"Sometimes," Nate said, tapping his pen on the desk, "you gotta stop waiting and start moving. Pride's a heavy thing to carry—drop it if you wanna move forward."
Those words stuck with him.
_______
In the Province...
The sun was setting low, casting a warm amber glow over the outdoor dining area. Ash sat across from Celeste, their plates half-empty as laughter from nearby tables mixed with the distant sound of traffic. A soft breeze carried the scent of grilled meat and city flowers. The heat of the day had dulled into a pleasant warmth.
Celeste was mid-bite, humming contentedly as she chewed on a piece of roasted chicken, her hair tied loosely to the side. Ash was smiling at her absentmindedly
Ash was reaching for his drink when his phone buzzed.
Rowan:
I booked the ticket.
Ash frowned and typed.
Ash:
What ticket?
Another buzz.
Rowan:
I'm going to France.
Ash blinked.
Ash:
France?? Since when?
Rowan:
Been thinking about it for a while. I'm going after Isadora.
His fork paused halfway to his mouth. Slowly, he set it down.
Celeste, still chewing, noticed the sudden stillness. "Something wrong?"
Ash stared at his phone.
"…Rowan just told me he's liked Isadora. Since college."
Celeste's brow rose, but she didn't exactly freeze.
"Rowan?"
Ash nodded once.
"Yeah. That Rowan."
Celeste leaned back in her seat, lips pursing slightly.
"Huh…"
Her mind drifted. That game night—Truth or Dare. Rowan had turned red when dared to kiss Isadora. His ears were practically glowing. She'd chalked it up to embarrassment. But now… it made more sense.
The part that surprised her was how long he'd carried it.
And when she remembered the way Isadora used to be with Ash—linking arms, clinging, teasing without shame—it made her wonder what Rowan must've been feeling, watching all of that, saying nothing.
"Wow," she said after a pause. "He really never said a word."
"Exactly," Ash muttered. "Damn guy was too good at pretending."
Celeste didn't say much else. Just nodded and looked off toward the lights. She had no idea she might've nudged something loose during that game. She dared them for fun. Rowan had played it cool. Laughed. Shrugged it off.
But maybe it stuck.
Ash's phone buzzed again.
Rowan:
Just thought you should know. Not expecting anything. Just… needed to say it.
Ash read the message twice. Then again.
A weird mix settled in his chest—surprise, guilt, and something warm.
His grip on the glass tightened slightly. He sipped, but the water tasted flat.
The memory came back quickly. That night. The park.
Isadora's voice trembling. "I like you."
He lowered the glass.
"I should've known."
Celeste looked up. "..."
Ash sighed.
"That Rowan liked her. All that time he watched us—me and Isadora being… close. And I didn't see it."
The breeze picked up, fluttering the edge of the tablecloth. Celeste didn't answer. She didn't need to.
Ash rubbed a hand over his face, then smiled faintly.
"He really bottled it all up. Every bit of it." he glanced down at his phone again. "I hope he gets it right this time."
Celeste gave a small nod.
"He will."
Ash looked at her, then at the city lights. Then back at his phone.
Rowan, who always made jokes. Who never made a move.
And now… he was flying across the world for someone.
Ash smiled. "Took you long enough, idiot."
He typed.
Ash:
Then go tell her. For real this time.
___________