Most people cut eye contact fast. It is easier. Nobody has to decide what it meant.

She lets it sit for one beat too long. Not a stare, not some movie-scene glare across the room. Just enough that the glance stops feeling accidental. Her eyes meet his, her mouth almost moves, then she looks down at her drink instead of snapping away.

Nothing else in the room changes. Same table, same noise, same bad lighting. Still, he feels the pause because it left him holding the next move.