[ His grin stretches a little wider, but it’s an old act. One he’d worn for years when they were in school and after. It comes as easily as breathing, even if that doesn’t make it any more real. ]

I’m not who people come to when they’re looking for that. Usually, I’m who they come to when they’re trying to forget or ignore that. Or just never cared about it in the first place.

[ He reaches out and tugs on a damp lock of her hair before attempting to nudge her head back around so he can finish rinsing out her hair. ]

I know things are complicated between you and that person I’m not allowed to mention. But I also know you both have very deep feelings about each other you’re going to need to work through at some point. You’re both just breaking your own hearts at each other right now and it hurts me to watch you keep doing this to yourselves.

[ His thumb swipes along her cheek as he meets her gaze, turning a hint more genuine now that he diverted to topic off himself. ] I hate seeing you so sad. I miss your smiles. Your laughter.