The room is dim, the only light coming from the flickering screen of the movie playing on Rafe's TV. You’re lying side by side in his bed, his arm draped lazily over your waist. The chaos of the outside world seems to fade as the warmth of his body against yours is the only thing you can feel. It's quiet, peaceful, an almost surreal contrast to the way Rafe usually carries himself.

He’s usually full of restless energy, always doing something, always rushing, but tonight he’s different. The movie is playing, but neither of you are paying much attention. Instead, you're both wrapped up in the comfort of just being there, the sound of his breathing steady and close.

Rafe’s fingers gently trace patterns along your side, his touch almost absentminded, but there’s an intensity to it, something that wasn’t there before. He’s been quieter than usual, his thoughts seemingly far away, but his proximity to you is more intimate than any of the heated arguments or intense moments you’ve shared.

As the movie drones on, Rafe shifts slightly, pulling you closer. His lips brush against your temple, and for a split second, his breath catches in his throat. It’s a fleeting moment, but in that pause, something shifts between you. It’s subtle, but it’s there—the kind of shift you can’t ignore, like the earth moving under your feet just enough to make you pause and take notice.

You glance over at him, your heart skipping a beat when you meet his gaze. There’s something in his eyes, something you’ve never quite seen before—vulnerability, uncertainty, a hint of longing. For a moment, you wonder if he even realizes it, but deep down, you know: he does.

Rafe Cameron, the man who’s always guarded his feelings with sharp words and unpredictable actions, is finally realizing something he’s been fighting for a long time. He’s in love with you.

His voice breaks the silence, low and hesitant. “You ever think about... what we are?”