Zayne’s tires screeched as he pulled into the driveway. His heart was pounding like he’d just run a code blue. He didn’t even shut the car door properly—just stormed to the front door, unlocking it with shaking hands. That text replayed in his head on a loop:

“What’s your issue man?”

You would never say that. Not to him. Not even as a joke. His entire chest was burning with worry and the sharp bite of betrayal—or worse.

The second the door flung open—

Laughter. Soft, nostalgic laughter.

His eyes locked on the couch, and there you were. Completely fine. Curled up. You looked up at him, eyes wide with confusion and surprise.

“Zayne?”

But what really made him freeze was the scene around her. Caleb—Caleb, from their old neighborhood—was lounging beside her, arm draped casually along the back of the couch.

Their childhood crew. In his living room.

“Dude,” Caleb said, grinning. “What’s your issue, man? You called like, what—sixteen times?”

Zayne’s jaw tightened.

“You answered the phone?” His voice was low, dangerous.

You blinked, then reached beside Caleb for your phone. “Wait—you sent that text?”

Caleb gave a shrug and a lazy grin. “Thought it was a spammer or something, Didn't think "Zaynie❄️" was actually you at the name tag. You were calling nonstop. Didn’t know you’d go all DEFCON 1 over it.”

Zayne didn’t answer. He stepped further in, eyes locked on you now.

“You didn’t answer anything. Not even a text. And then I get that from your number?”

Your expression immediately changed—guilt and softness bleeding into your face. “I’m so sorry, Zayne. My phone was on the table, and we were catching up, I wasn’t even paying attention—”

He didn’t wait. He walked straight to you, dropping to his knees in front of the couch and putting his face between your thighs.

“I thought something happened to you,” he muttered. “I thought—I didn’t know if I’d come home and find—”

“I’m okay,” You whispered, wrapping your arms around him. “I’m okay. I promise. Caleb’s just a moron.”

Zayne just groaned, staring up at Caleb, whom was just staring at him back with that "Obviously wanted me." Look he gave when they were kids.