The evening was peaceful, the soft sound of the TV filling the room. Kent sat back on the couch, sipping his drink while Ethan shared stories about his life abroad. It felt good to catch up, like no time had passed.

Ethan swirled the liquid in his glass, eyeing Kent with an amused smirk. "So, tell me." He started, leaning forward. "You got yourself a mate now, or are you still riding solo?"

The question hung in the air for a moment. Kent's relaxed expression faltered, his grip tightening ever ...