Boyfriend | The

Sam laughed—the real laugh, full and warm. “You always were too reasonable.”

They parted ways at the checkout, carrying separate bags to separate cars. Alex didn’t look back. He drove home to his quiet apartment, made himself a cup of coffee—black, the way he actually liked it—and sat down with his guitar. The Boyfriend

Sam’s jaw tightened. “I’ve been thinking… maybe we’re not right for each other.” Sam laughed—the real laugh, full and warm

At first, Alex dismissed it. Everyone has off days. But the crack widened over the following weeks. Sam started canceling plans last-minute, citing work, then family, then a vague “feeling under the weather.” His texts, once littered with emojis and exclamation points, became clipped. Okay. Sure. Maybe tomorrow. Sam laughed—the real laugh