𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐈𝐓 𝐎𝐅𝐅 ( 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐎 )

𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘆

beside her, matt's breathing is ragged, his chest heaving as he fights to catch his breath. another hook-up between them shared. yet, with each one, it seems to matt that they're venturing into deeper, more intimate territory. he can't deny the allure of zara's presence, the way her touch ignites a fire within him that he struggles to contain.

the traces of her skin against his, the feeling of her hands tangling in his hair. it's intoxicating, addictive even, and it terrifies him. matt knows he shouldn't be feeling this way, shouldn't be allowing himself to become so entangled in zara's web. but with each passing day, it becomes harder to resist the pull of her gravity.

he's afraid of what it means, afraid of where it might lead. matt knows he's treading dangerous waters, flirting with a line he shouldn't cross. and yet, he can't seem to stop himself. zara is like a drug, and he's become addicted to the high she brings.

he shouldn't feel this way. especially when she knows she sees him as nothing more than her best friend. she even said so herself. worst news he could've ever received.

he knows he should leave, should distance himself before things spiral out of control. but even as he tries to convince himself to go, a part of him longs to stay, to savor the moments he does get with her, even if he wants more than the fleeting moments behind closed doors.

he turns onto his side, his hand reaching out to brush a lock of hair away from zara's face. leaning in, he presses a gentle kiss to the side of her neck, his lips lingering for a moment before he pulls away.

"i can't stay," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. it's not an unfamiliar refrain, but it is one he hates saying. it's one that echoes through the walls of the room like a haunting melody. he would stay, laying with her and laughing at stupid instagram reels, but tonight is different. tonight, he can't afford to let himself slip too deep.

he's been doing so well, seeing her as just a friend. before tonight, he even started to see it as the truth.

matt quickly sits up, swinging his legs over the mattress and reaching for his pants. zara stirs slightly at matt's words, her brow furrowing in confusion as she shifts to face him. "why?" she asks.

matt freezes, his heart constricting in his chest as he struggles to find the right words. he can't bring himself to turn around and meet her gaze, knowing that if he does, he'll lose whatever shred of resolve he has left.

"i just remembered that i have an early morning tomorrow," he says, his voice sounding strained even to his own ears. it's a flimsy excuse, and he knows it. but it's the best he can come up with in the moment. "practice."

zara sits up, her movements slow and groggy as she shifts closer to matt. she reaches out to him to place a tender kiss on the bare skin of his shoulder. she rests her head on his shoulder and turns slightly to look at him. "okay," she murmurs, her voice soft and understanding. "i'll see you tomorrow then?"

matt's chest tightens at the warmth of her lips against his skin, the conflict within him raging stronger than ever. he wants nothing more than to stay, to revel in the comfort of her presence, but he knows he can't. not tonight.

"yeah," he replies, his voice barely above a whisper. "see you tomorrow."

with his legs heavier than ever, matt stands up from the bed, his movements slow and deliberate as he gathers his clothes and slips them on. he avoids looking at zara directly, unable to bear her gaze as he prepares to leave.

he's pushing her away when all he wants to do is pull her closer. but for now, it's the only way he knows how to protect himself from the inevitable rejection that lies ahead. he's doing what he thinks is best, what he believes she wants.