The rumours got louder and stronger.
More detailed.
There were stories about secret dates in hidden restaurants, late-night visits under the cover of darkness, heated arguments followed by passionate makeups.
Things that never happened.
Things that almost did.
"Do you ever think about stopping?"
The question came out of nowhere, hanging in the air between them.
They were sitting in his apartment.
There were no cameras and definitely no audience.
Just quiet between them.
Noel looked at her.
"Stopping what?"
"This," Lena said, gesturing between them with a fluid motion of her hand. "All of it."
He frowned slightly.
"Why?"
She hesitated.
That was new.
Lena didn't hesitate. She never does.
"It's getting... messy," she said.
"It's always been messy."
"Not like this."
Noel studied her face, searching for the layers beneath her usual polish.
"You're thinking too much."
She laughed softly.
"That's your line."
"Then stop stealing it."
Silence settled again.
.
.
