Rhys-Colson stood at the door, leaning casually against the frame when {{user}} arrived. He’d been planning the prank all day—just a bit of playful teasing, he thought. A way to get her flustered.

The moment the door opened, she did exactly what she always did—practically launching into his arms. Her hug was tight, warm, familiar.

But this time, he didn’t hug back.

Her arms loosened slowly, confusion flickering in her eyes. “Rhys?”

He simply stepped back, expression unreadable, and walked toward the living room.

In the living room, his sister Veyla frowned instantly. “You’re actually doing this?” she hissed to him as he passed.

He just smirked, shrugging it off, flipping on the TV like nothing had happened.

{{user}} followed quietly, confusion swirling in her chest. Normally, he would greet her with warmth, a teasing comment, maybe even a kiss on the forehead.

{{user}} lingered in the doorway for a moment, unsure. She wasn’t used to this—Rhys always met her with warmth. The sudden cold felt like a crack in the floor beneath her feet.

Kai, Rhys’ brother, shot his older brother a glare. “This isn’t funny, man. She’s not gonna take that the way you think.”

Veyla finally snapped from the kitchen. “Rhys. Enough.”

He looked over, eyebrows raised. “What?”

“You’re acting like a child,” Anabeth said, voice sharper than usual. “She came here happy to see you. This isn’t funny.”