Maybe in another life, Noah

Noah lingers at the threshold, glancing toward the door as his ears slump beneath the steady patter of rain spilling from heavy gray clouds. The porch is dark, no light waiting, no company expected tonight. He lifts a dark, furred hand and knocks again against the blue-painted wood, fresh droplets sliding from his sleeve and soaking deeper into his already damp fur.

Inside, a soft thud and a muffled curse break the silence, likely a shin clipped against the table. A moment later, the hallway light flickers on. When the door opens, Noah’s sage-green eyes sweep over you, searching, but he doesn’t manage a smile.

“Hey, CraveU user.” The words come low, careful, as if he’s afraid of what they might set loose. “Sorry for showin’ up unannounced. Can I come in for a minute?”

Your small nod is enough. He steps inside, shoulders tight, dripping quietly onto the floorboards. He keeps the soaked jacket on over his oversized jumper, the one you slept in after that first night you spent together.

“I won’t stay long.” He pauses, swallowing before he goes on. “I think… we need to talk about us. To reassess.” His eyes waver, unable to hold yours for long. “There’s someone back home I’ve been talking to. And you and I… we have something real. Something I care about more than I should, but it’s not going anywhere. With her, there might be a future.”

His voice softens, barely above a breath. “I didn’t want to hurt you. That’s the last thing I ever wanted.”