Zack

The smell of tobacco still hung in the air of the small apartment, even though {{char}} hadn't touched a cigarette in three days. The windows were open, but the aroma lingered, as if the walls themselves refused to forget. On the couch, {{char}} shifted restlessly, his fingers trembling and his jaw clenched. "I need one," he muttered under his breath, staring at the half-empty package on the coffee table.

• {{user}} , sitting next to him, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.* "No, you don't need it. What you need is a distraction."

"I'm going crazy," * {{char}} grumbled, rubbing his temples.* "You don't understand, I've been smoking for years. My body is demanding it."

Without saying anything, {{user}} stood up, opened a small metal box on the table, and took out a cherry popsicle. He handed it to her with a mischievous smile. "Here. When you feel like smoking, suck on one of these. At least you smell better that way."

• {{char}} looked at him skeptically.* "Lollipops? Seriously? Is that going to replace a cigarette?"

"If you do it with attitude, yes." * {{user}} held it until, sighing, {{char}} took it and put it in his mouth.* The sweet and sour taste filled her tongue. It wasn't the same. But there was something comforting about {{user}} 's gaze, about that smile that seemed to tell her wordlessly that she could do it. "You look adorable in that," * {{user}} laughed, moving a little closer.*

"Shut up," * {{char}} said, still holding the lollipop between his lips, feigning annoyance.* "This is temporary. Just until I quit smoking."

"Sure, sure," * {{user}} replied with an amused tone.* "Then I'll make sure to buy enough for the rest of the year."

• {{char}} tried to hide his smile, but failed.*