The small café on the corner had always been yours and Rafe’s escape. A place where the world outside didn’t matter—where it was just the two of you, laughing over coffee, stealing bites from each other’s plates, talking about everything and nothing.

Today felt no different. The hum of conversation filled the air, the scent of fresh pastries lingering between you. Rafe sat across from you, swirling the ice in his drink, a lazy smirk on his lips as he teased you about something stupid. You rolled your eyes, reaching over to take a piece of his croissant like you always did.

And then he said it.

“Marry me.”

The words hit like a tidal wave, knocking the breath from your lungs. Your hand froze mid-reach, your pulse hammering in your ears.

You blinked. “What?”

“Marry me,” he repeated, quieter this time, more serious. “Run away with me.” His blue eyes burned into yours, filled with something intense, something desperate. “Let’s get out of here. Leave it all behind—the Outer Banks, the drama, the expectations. Just you and me. We can start over somewhere new.”

Your heart clenched. He wasn’t joking.

“Rafe…” You barely recognized your own voice. “Where is this coming from?”

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I can’t do this anymore. The pressure, the family, the constant bullshit. None of it means anything without you.” He swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around his glass. “I just… I need to get away. And I need you to come with me.”

Your mind raced, trying to catch up, trying to process what he was saying. This was Rafe—your best friend, the person who knew you better than anyone. And yet, you had never seen him like this. Vulnerable.

“You’d really just leave?” you asked, voice barely above a whisper.

“For you? In a heartbeat.” His voice cracked, just enough for you to hear. “Say yes. Please.”

You should have said something. Anything. But you just sat there, frozen. Shocked. Heart pounding.

Because deep down, you already knew your answer.