"Wow, your place really is amazing," Nova said as she walked into Felix's apartment in front of him.
"I'm glad you like it." Felix tugged at the hem of his green sweater, twisting the fabric between his fingers. "I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Ask away." Nova spun around on the marble floor.
Felix hesitated, heart hammering. "I want you to live here with me."
Nova blinked, her smile fading. "Felix… you live half an hour from my job."
"That's not that far," he said quickly. "People commute longer."
Nova shook her head. "That wouldn't be fair to Jared. You know we have a thing for each other now."
"A thing?" Felix's voice rose, heat flooding his cheeks. "I've known you longer. What about our military training? All those weeks—"
"Yeah, I remember," she said softly, looking away. "But it's different with Jared. I just… I get along with him better."
"Why do you say that to me? Didn't you enjoy watching the movie with me?"
"You talked the whole time," she cut in, folding her arms over her black long-sleeve shirt. "I couldn't even enjoy it."
"I was explaining the jokes! You weren't laughing, so I thought—"
"I understood the jokes, Felix." Her voice softened, but her eyes stayed distant. "I just don't always understand you."
The words landed like a punch. Felix swallowed hard. "Nova, please. You just got here. Stay a little while. We can order food, watch something else—"
"I can't." She took a step toward the door. "I already made plans with Jared. It wouldn't be right to cancel on him."
"Bye, Felix."
The door clicked shut behind her.
Felix didn't move. The condo felt painfully empty.