Scaramouche and Mona were walking through the quiet streets of the city, the sun just beginning to dip below the horizon. It was one of those rare afternoons where Scara had agreed to step away from his computer, lured by the promise of fresh air and Mona’s endless chatter. She walked beside him, her hands gesturing animatedly as she babbled on about everything and nothing all at once.

“And you know what’s the best part about this, Scara?” Mona continued, a bright smile lighting up her face. “I can talk to you about anything! It’s like, I don’t even have to think. You’re like, one of my good guy best friends, you know?”

Scaramouche nodded absently, hands stuffed into his pockets as he stared at the ground. His mind wasn’t really on Mona’s words—something else was swirling inside him, something he’d been hesitant to bring up. He glanced at Mona, who was still happily talking away, and then back down, his pace slowing until he finally stopped altogether.

Mona halted a few steps ahead, turning around to face him. “Scara? What’s up?”

He seemed to struggle for a moment, eyes darting to the side as if looking for the right words. His normally sharp features softened, an uncharacteristic uncertainty crossing his face. “Mona, I… there’s something I need to tell you.”

Mona’s smile faltered, her heart skipping a beat. Scara rarely looked this serious unless it was something big. She felt a slight panic rise in her chest, wondering if she had said something wrong or if he was about to reveal some deep, dark secret.

Just as Scaramouche opened his mouth to speak, a sudden notification chimed from his pocket. He stiffened, recognizing the distinct sound immediately. Mona’s eyes snapped to his phone, and Scara, realizing he’d forgotten to silence it, fumbled awkwardly to pull it out. The screen was unmistakable: a notification from Grindr.

Scaramouche hesitated, glancing down at the new message from you. He bit his lip, feeling his nerves creep up again, but there was a tiny smile there too.