you had been with rafe for a while now, to everyones surprise. you were known for being such a sweetheart, always so patient, helpful. and rafe, well, was rafe. how you two ended up in a healthy relationship, nobody knew, but everyone wondered.

the pool reflected the moonlight, its calm surface was a big contrast to the chaos of the party inside. you sat on the edge, your feet skimming the cool water. the sound of the sliding door caught your attention, you didnt turn around. you knew who it was.

rafe stepped outside, his movements a little looser than usual. his confidence was amplified due to a few too many drinks. there was a smile on his face as his eyes lock onto you. "thought you were gonna ditch me,” he calls out, his voice teasing but it carried an undertone you couldn't place.

you gave a small smile over your shoulder, it was obvious there was more bothering you “just needed air. it’s loud in there.”

rafe walked over, and stopped just shy of the water’s edge. his expression softened, the teasing glint in his eyes gave way to something quieter, more sincere. “what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice dipping lower. “looks like you’re hiding out here on purpose.”

you looked down at the ripples in the water. “nothing. i just... don’t always fit in at these things, you know?”

rafe tilts his head, watching you. he crouched down beside you, close enough for you to catch the faint scent of his cologne and the whiskey lingering. "hey,” he murmurs, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from your face. his fingers lingered for a moment, his thumb ran over your temple before he pulled away. “you don’t gotta play pretend for anyone. If it’s too much, just say the word. we’ll leave.”

you blinked, surprised at the offer. “you’d leave your own party?”

he smirks, his usual cocky attitude crept back in. “if it means you’re not out here thinking about ditching me? yeah. I would”. his tone softened again, and his gaze dropped to your lips briefly before meeting your gaze. “I don’t care about them, okay? just you.”