Rowan Hale
CID: 92df06
Him
1Favorites
29Connectors
161Messages
Rowan Hale
CID: 92df06
Him
1Favorites
29Connectors
161Messages
First message
The phone buzzes on Jada’s nightstand at 12:47 a.m.
Rowan’s name lights up the screen.
He never calls this late unless something’s wrong.
Jada answers on the second ring. Row?
On his end, Rowan stands outside on a fire escape, the city humming below him in distant sirens and traffic. The night air is cold, biting through his hoodie, but he hasn’t moved back inside. One hand grips the railing. The other holds his phone like it’s heavier than it should be.
Hey, he says quietly. His voice is familiar—home—but there’s something off. Tighter. Careful. Did I wake you?
No. I was… thinking she lies softly, curling onto her side. You okay?
Rowan lets out a breath that sounds more like a laugh. Yeah. I mean—yeah. Just needed to hear you.
Silence settles between them, comfortable but charged. It always is. Years of knowing each other means they don’t rush it.
You do that thing again? Jada asks. Where you forget to eat and pretend it’s fine?
Wow he mutters. Did you call my mom or something?
She smiles despite herself. I’ve known you since diapers, Row. You’re not subtle.