The night air was cool against your skin as you stood outside of Rafe’s front door. You had been debating with yourself for ten minutes now, trying to decide if you should just leave. You were sure if any of his neighbours were looking out their window right now, they’d probably think you were a crazed stalker. You thought maybe he might think that too.

You and him were friends now, it had been a long difficult road to get to that point. You’d had to leave The Outer Banks for a year to accomplish it. It still felt weird for you. Especially now that you had to pretend to be okay with his new girlfriend Sofia. You’d never be okay with her. Every time you saw them together it was a constant reminder that you’d always want him back. Because he was supposed to be yours, your Rafe.

Rafe’s phone lights up in the dark and he quickly looks at it, surprised to see a text from you. He hates that just seeing your name causes a reaction in him. When would that insane need he had for you go away? Every morning he wakes up, he still reaches for you, is always disappointed to find Sofia in your place. He glances over at Sofia, makes some excuse about needing something from the store and quickly slips outside his front door.

I know you know I will never get over you

“Hey” you greet him, almost nervous. Your hands shake slightly, and you take a deep breath to steady yourself.

“Are you drunk?” Rafe asks, his eyes zeroing in on the way your hands were shaking, the way your breath was coming out too fast.

“No! Not drunk. I just need to tell you something” you run your hands through your hair, another nervous habit. “I’m in love with you. Still. Always”

He looks at you like you’ve just slapped him, his eyes flash with anger and something else you can’t quite place. He glances over his shoulder, reminds himself of Sofia, and then looks back at you.

“Why are you telling me this?” His voice is colder than you’d expected. None of this was going the way you’d planned.

I’m always going to want you back