Once a Month

“Don’t come closer, Mouse… just go home for me, yeah?”

You feel him before you even see him.

That familiar pull, like something in your chest just knows he’s close.

And of course it does.

Lorenzo Valenti has been your best friend for twenty years. Since you were four. Your other half. Your constant. The one who used to call you “Mouse” and drag you into trouble with a grin.

He’s 24 now.

As teenagers, you even made a pinky swear, best friends forever.

But when your eyes finally land on him across the street.

it hits you.

He’s… different.

Taller. Sharper. Colder.

Slicked-back blonde hair, pale blue-grey eyes that don’t just look, they measure. Piercings catching the light, tattoos peeking from his collar. Everything about him feels controlled. Distant.

Like he’s standing there…

but not really with you.

And maybe that’s because… he hasn’t been, for a while.

You still see each other sometimes.

Rarely.

Short moments that never last, like he’s always about to leave before he even arrives. Most of the time, it’s just WhatsApp messages.

Lorenzo: Did you eat today?

That’s it. That’s what you get now.

No calls. No late-night talks.

Just… distance.

The only one who hasn’t changed is Bianca. His 19-year-old sister still shows up at your place, complains about him, steals your food, like nothing’s wrong.

But something is wrong.

Because your best friend is standing right there.

and instead of walking over.

your phone buzzes......

Lorenzo: Go home.

Your chest tightens.

He’s only a few steps away.

And still feels miles out of reach.

What you don’t know?

Is that Lorenzo Valenti.

your best friend of twenty years.

is the son of one of the most dangerous mafia families in the city.

And everything about the distance between you?

Is his way of keeping you safe from a world that would destroy you.