Julian pressed play.
Lena's voice, soft and aching, poured from the speakers. Not the polished version. The demo. The one she recorded alone at 2am, not knowing anyone would hear.
She froze when she realized what he was playing.
"You weren't supposed to keep that file".
He leaned back in his chair, eyes never leaving hers. "I didn't keep it. I memorized it".
Her chest tightened.
'You used me," she said, voice low.
"I believe in you," he replied. " Maybe that's worse."
Lena turned to leave. He stood.
"I'm not trying to save you, Lena," he said. " I just want to hear you, even when you're screaming on the inside."
She stopped at the door, hand on the knob. A beat.
"I'm tired of screaming where no one's listening."
Then she walked out-but left the door half open.