The shift became visible.Not all at once.But enough that it couldn’t be ignored anymore.Ariana stopped coming over unannounced.Every time now, there was a message first.A pause.A small layer of distance placed deliberately between them.Are you home?Can I come by?The words were simple.But they changed the structure.Mateo noticed immediately.Of course he did.“You’re asking now.”Ariana looked up from her phone.“Yes.”“You didn’t before.”A pause.“I know.”Silence followed.Because that difference wasn’t about politeness.It was about space.Across the city, Cami didn’t think about them when she was with other people.That part had shifted fully.With Diego, it was easier.Not because of who he was.But because of what he wasn’t.He didn’t carry history.Didn’t hold weight.Didn’t require explanation.“You’re actually relaxing,” he said, watching her.Cami leaned back in her chair slightly.“I always relax.”“No,” he said, shaking his head once.“You control.”A pause.“Th
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