Roman did not move after the question he asked. The phone stayed in his hand, the screen still lit, the message sitting there like it belonged in the space between them. Jay stood in front of him, close enough to take it back, but he didn't reach for it again immediately this time. The silence stretched, not soft, not empty, just tight and waiting.
"What happened last night?"
Jay's expression didn't change, but something in his eyes shifted for a second before it settled again. He stepped forward, closing the space between them, his hand lifting toward the phone.
"Give me my phone."
Roman didn't release it. He didn't step back either. He stood where he was, steady, his gaze fixed on Jay like he wasn't going to let this pass without something real.
"He said 'after last night.'"
Jay's jaw tightened. The words landed, but he didn't react the way Roman expected. He held his ground, his voice coming out even.
"I don't know what you're talking about. It's just a message."
