''Let's go to my place. I've got work.''

Tua, still half- dramatic from the hangover, goraned.

''Why do you have work on the day when I'm finally free?''

''Because the world doesn't revolve around your clinic schedule.

''It should.''

Mark didn't even react. ''Shoes''

Tua slipped them on lazily,still talking.

''If I die on the way,it's your responsibility.''

''I'II inform the authorities.''

''You're heartles.''

They stepped into the elevator,still lightly arguing.

Tua nudged the Mark's shoulder.

''You didn't even make breakfast.''

''You can't even stand straight and you want breakfast?''

''I can eat lying down.''

''That's not a skill.''

''It is...

The doors slid open..

The laughter stopped instantly.

Inside the elevator-

Arnold.

Standing straight in a perfectly tailored suit.

Clam. Sharp. Ready for the day.

Mark's expression shifted first.

''.....Arnold''

Tua didn't say anything.

Just looked at Mark.

A quick , questioning look-

What is he doing here?

Mark frowned slightly, just as confused.

Arnold's gaze , however-

Wasn't on Mark.

It was on Tua.

Observing.

Tua felt it.

Didn't react.

They stepped inside.

The space felt smaller than before.

Heavier.

No one spoke for a second.

But his eyes never left Tua.

Tua stood casually, hands in his pockets.

Expression netural.

Like Arnold didn't exist.

And that-

That felt different.

Arnold noticed it immediately.

Not the face

Not the posture.

The absence.

Back then - 

Tua used to react.

Even if quietly.

Even if subtly.

Like he was just another stranger.

Arnold's jaw tightened.

So it really is him.

But something had changed.

A lot.

The elevator moved.

No one spoke.

Mark glanced between them once.

Something felt Off-

but he couldn't place it.

Arnold,however-

was already building a picture in his head.

Last night 

Tua-

Drunk

Leaning on Mark

smilimg

This morning.

Togther again.

Leaving from the same place.

They spent night together..

The thought settled in quietly.

And for some reason-

Arnold didn't like it.

The elevator stopped.

Doors opened.

Before anything could be said-

Tua moved.

Fast.

Mark blinked.

''...Tua-Wait-''

He followed quickly.

Arnold didn't move.

Just stood there.

Watching the empty space where Tua had been.

Unanswered questions sitting heavily in his mind

Not just:

Why is he here?

But-

Why does it bother me?

The doors finally closed.

And for the first time-

Arnold felt something he didn't recognize immediately.

Not the curiosity.

Quiter....