E 4
City lights outside the window, laptop open, a coffee mug half-full.
Atlas is lying on the floor, phone to his ear, absently tossing a tennis ball toward the ceiling and catching it.
Seth Norman
—so then Leo just looked at me like I’d lost my mind, but I swear I wasn’t flirting with the waiter!
Seth Norman
I was just asking for extra parmesan.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
And I only drink coffee for the aesthetics.
Seth Norman
I’m being serious, Atlas.
Seth Norman
He was full-on sulking for an hour.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Then you probably were flirting.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Subconsciously.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
You’re dangerous that way.
Seth Norman
I’ve been tamed now, okay?
Seth Norman
Four months in.
Seth Norman
I even know his Spotify password.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
You are terrifyingly domestic.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Next you’ll tell me you’re making Pinterest boards together.
Seth Norman
We do have one.
Seth Norman
For a vacation.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
I’m not.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
I’m glad you’re happy.
Seth Norman
It’s been really… easy, surprisingly.
Seth Norman
I don’t feel like I have to perform with him, you know?
Atlas Laurent (MC)
I’m glad he gets that version of you.
Seth Norman
What about you, though?
Seth Norman
Someone even slightly cute in your office or that ridiculously aesthetic building you live in?
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Nope. Nothing.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
And I’m not looking either.
Seth Norman
Still on that “I’m happy alone” campaign?
Atlas Laurent (MC)
It’s not a campaign.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
It’s just… peace.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
I’ve worked hard for this routine.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
For this life.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
I don’t want chaos.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Not right now.
Seth Norman
You know love doesn’t always mean chaos, right?
Atlas Laurent (MC)
For me, it is.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Too many expectations.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Too much… exposure.
Seth Norman
You can’t stay hidden forever, Atlas.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
I’m not hiding.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
I’m just… living.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
The way that works for me.
Seth Norman
You always did prefer quiet over fire.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Exactly
Seth Norman
Okay, philosopher.
Seth Norman
But remember—when it happens, it doesn’t always knock.
Seth Norman
Sometimes it slips through a crack in the wall.
Atlas Laurent (MC)
Then maybe I should start sealing my walls tighter.
Seth Norman
Gosh, I miss you
Atlas Laurent (MC)
(Quietly)
Atlas Laurent (MC)
I miss you too
Seth Norman — 23 Years Old
Atlas’s best friend since college.
Outgoing, over-friendly, and always talking.
Loud where Atlas is quiet, chaotic where Atlas is calm — but loyal to the bone.
The type to show up uninvited just to check on you.
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