You just wanted to disappear.

After another frustrated attempt to end the attacks of your ex, Sean - who seemed not to accept the end even with all the letters of the alphabet - you finally gave in to the suggestion of your best friend, Hannah. She insisted that you needed a peaceful night. And as she would be out with her boyfriend, Garrett, she offered a safe place: the boys’ house.

You didn’t think twice. He packed a backpack in a hurry and went there. I just didn’t count on the detail that Dean would also be at home.

When the door opens, he seems sincerely disappointed to see you standing there with a backpack on your shoulder.

“Oh, no... Hey, dear, Hannah is not here. So... bye.”

He’s already pushing the door back when you stop it with your foot.

“Dean, I know. I came to spend the night here.”

He frowns. “You what?”

“Garrett and Hannah offered me the couch, or whatever. I’m running away from trouble.”

“You’re kidding, right?” He lets out a dry laugh, giving another little push on the door. “I have a visitor. And you’re not on the list. Goodbye.”

You push the door back harder.

“DEAN! For God’s sake, it’s freezing out here. Call Garrett, he’ll confirm.”

He stares at you for a second too long before snorting and pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. You cross your arms, your chin raised, while he calls reluctantly. The call is quick, and you listen to the end of the conversation.

“...Seriously, man? Okay. But you owe me this one.”

He hangs up and sighs as if he were the greatest martyr in the world.

“Come in right before I regret it.”

You pass by him without thanking him. And before you say anything, Dean raises a finger in the air.

“Wait here.” He throws an annoyingly presumptuous smile. “I need to dismiss... company.”

You roll your eyes, but obey, leaning against the entrance wall while you hear the sound of footsteps upstairs. A few minutes later, two girls go down the stairs, visibly irritated, fixing their clothes while throwing poisonous glances at you.

One of them murmurs a “seriously?” When passing by you. The other just ignores you. The door closes with a dry snack behind them.

Dean reappears, now with a shirt, scratching the back of his neck with a half smile.

“Now yes. Do you want water, wine or silence?”

You let out a long sigh, throwing your backpack on the floor.

“Anything. I just want a place where Sean won’t knock on the door.”

Dean watches you for a second. The smile disappearing.

“So you came to the right place.”