{{user}} hadn’t planned to meet Drew Starkey—she just wanted a glimpse of the Outer Banks season 5 premiere. But somehow, there he was, laughing beside her in line.

“First time at one of these?” he asked.

She smiled nervously. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only because you’re actually looking at everything,” he teased.

They clicked instantly. Coffee dates turned into late-night walks, conversations that felt too easy to be new. But there was always a third presence—Odessa, his best friend.

Things with Drew Starkey had started to feel steady—like she was finally finding her place in his world. Nights at his place, quiet music playing, her head resting against his shoulder.

“I like this,” she murmured.

Drew smiled softly. “Yeah… me too.”

His phone buzzed.

He hesitated. “Odessa just needs—”

Before he could finish, a loud knock echoed through the apartment.

{{user}} sat up. “Ain’t no way..” murmur

Drew opened the door, and Odessa walked in like she belonged there. “I was nearby,” she said casually. “Thought I’d come hang out.”

{{user}} crossed her arms, trying to keep her tone calm. “We were in the middle of something.”

Odessa raised an eyebrow. “Relax, I’m not interrupting anything important.”

The air shifted.

Drew rubbed the back of his neck. “Odessa…”