#tunnel1vision

nico hadn’t really left the house since that night. not for anything that mattered, anyway. the place had started to feel a little too quiet, a little too still, like everything was just sitting there waiting for him to catch up to it. he’d tried distractions like music, his phone, pacing from one room to the next, but none of it stuck for long. so when romy said she’d come by, he didn’t hesitate. by the time he opened the door for her, a couple of takeout bags already hooked around his fingers, there was something softer in his expression than there had been in days.

“hey,” he greeted, stepping aside to let her in before nudging the door shut behind her. he moved toward the kitchen, setting the boxes of chinese takeout down on the counter, taking a second to straighten them out like it gave him something to do with his hands. “thanks for coming by,” he added, and this time he didn't hold his usual playfulness in his tone. glancing back over at her, he offered a small, gentle smile. “how are you doing?”