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JAXON STARED AT THE TEXT FROM LILY, the words blurring in front of his eyes. he had just told her they needed to take a break, but part of him was already doubting his decision. being with her was easier—it was familiar, uncomplicated. and right now, maybe that was what he needed. or maybe that's what he kept telling himself.
he typed out a new message, one that contradicted the guilt that had been gnawing at him for days.
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the second the message sent, a weight settled over him, but he didn't let himself think about it too much. as the day wore on, he found himself going through the motions—picking up takeout on the way to lily's apartment, listening to the music she liked, letting the familiar ease of their relationship wash over him.
when he knocked on her door that evening, lily greeted him with a wide smile. she was dressed casually, her hair up in a messy bun, a bottle of wine in her hand. "i knew you'd come around," she said playfully, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
jaxon forced a smile, stepping inside. "yeah, guess i couldn't stay away."
the truth was, he wasn't sure if staying was the right decision, but for now, it was easier than facing the emptiness that had been lingering since his breakup with sabrina. being with lily was simple. no complicated emotions, no trust issues, just a comfortable routine.
they spent the evening on the couch, eating takeout, drinking wine, and falling into conversation that felt familiar, if not a bit hollow. jaxon leaned back, his mind wandering as lily curled up beside him, her head resting on his shoulder.
"you're quiet tonight," lily said, glancing up at him. "what's on your mind?"
jaxon hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "nothing. just... tired, i guess."
lily frowned slightly, but she didn't push him. instead, she leaned in, pressing a kiss to his neck. "well, let's not overthink it. we're here now. that's what matters, right?"
jaxon nodded, his chest tight. "yeah. right."
_______________
meanwhile, sabrina was sitting alone in her apartment, her thoughts racing as the image of jaxon and lily together replayed in her mind. she had told herself over and over again that it didn't matter, that they were over, but seeing him with someone else still stung. it felt like the final nail in the coffin of whatever they had shared.
