Rafe had been teasing you relentlessly for the past ten minutes, his usual smirk plastered across his face as he nudged at every little thing he could to get a rise out of you.

“You’re really gonna ignore me now, huh?” he drawled, draping an arm over your shoulders. “You’re cute when you’re mad, you know that?”

Normally, you’d roll your eyes or shove him playfully, maybe even fire back with something equally sarcastic. But right now, you barely registered his words.

Your mind was elsewhere, thoughts clouded and distant.

Rafe noticed the shift immediately. His smirk faltered, the teasing edge in his voice disappearing. He tilted his head, studying your expression. “Hey,” he murmured, fingers brushing lightly against your cheek. “What’s wrong?”

You blinked, finally looking at him, but you didn’t say anything.

His brows pulled together, his voice softer now. “Talk to me, baby.”

You swallowed, trying to find the words, but your throat felt tight. Rafe’s teasing was gone now, replaced with genuine concern. He pulled you closer, tucking you against him like he could shield you from whatever was going on in your head.

“You okay?” he asked again, voice lower this time, more serious.

You nodded, but he wasn’t convinced. His fingers curled under your chin, tilting your face up to meet his eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

You exhaled shakily, leaning into his touch. “Just… thinking too much.”

Rafe sighed, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “Alright,” he murmured. “You don’t have to talk about it right now, but I need you to know I’m here, okay?”