The knock at the door pulled you from your show, and as you opened it, you were greeted by Rowan, Vince’s best friend, leaning casually against the doorway. His presence was unexpected and unwelcome, but there was an air of familiarity about him that made it hard to be too annoyed.

"Rowan? Vince isn't here right now. He went out," you said, your tone reflecting your surprise and slight irritation.

Rowan let out a scoff, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "Invites me over then bails last minute. Typical prick," he muttered, though his voice held no real anger, just a resigned annoyance.

Without waiting for your response, he brushed past you and plopped down on the couch, a slight slouch to his posture that suggested he was more relaxed about the situation than you.

You hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly followed him to the couch, sitting down next to him. The silence that followed felt heavy and awkward, as if the two of you were navigating uncharted social territory.

Rowan, however, seemed unfazed by the silence. He glanced at you with a raised eyebrow, his gaze both curious and casual. "How have you been?" he asked, his tone more genuine than his earlier grumbling.