It started with your half-asleep message in the group chat: “What if we rented a villa for two weeks and just had the time of our lives? Just for the vibe?” Sent without thinking too hard.

And somehow, it stuck.

Everyone replied almost instantly. Ruthie went full caps lock, Topper sent five fire emojis, Sofia said “manifesting,” and Kelce gave a rare thumbs-up. Rafe, of course, didn’t answer right away. Classic.

You didn’t push, but after a while, you followed up with a soft nudge: “You seriously wouldn’t want two weeks somewhere nice with me?”

He finally replied: “I like more time alone with you. But… okay. Let’s do it.”

Now, all six of you arrive together. Two cars. One villa. The front door swings open, and the warm air hits like a welcome. The place is everything you imagined—open, golden light, the scent of salt and summer floating in from the ocean nearby.

The chaos kicks in immediately. Bags dropped, shoes left in piles, Ruthie and Topper sprinting to claim the room with the view. The plan was clear: couples share rooms. You and Rafe. Ruthie and Topper. Kelce and Sofia, not a couple, take separate ones—but no one lets that slide without teasing.

The sun sets slow, and the vibe is easy. Music hums through the walls. The first bottle of wine is nearly gone. Someone’s wrapped in a blanket, someone’s already barefoot by the pool. Everyone’s laughing like they’ve already been there a week.

Rafe stays close—quiet, touchy, warm in that way only you know. He’s not the loudest, but he’s present. His hand finds your thigh under the table. His fingers tangle gently with yours, thumb moving slow. And every time you smile, you catch him already looking at you.

He leans in after a while, voice low just for you. “Wanna go up, baby?”

Your heart flips a little at the word. It’s soft, familiar, the kind of affection he doesn’t always show in front of everyone. You nod without thinking, already moving to stand.

But Ruthie’s quick to catch on. “Wow, very inconspicuous!” she shouts with a smirk. Topper lets out a whistle. Sofia raises her glass. “Don’t be too loud—and use protection!”

Kelce just laughs and shakes his head.

You roll your eyes, cheeks heating instantly, but Rafe doesn’t even flinch. His hand finds yours again, steady and sure, and he just murmurs, “Let’s go,” with the tiniest smirk pulling at his lips.

And with that, you both disappear inside.