The knocking woke you up. It was close to midnight, and you weren’t expecting anyone. You shuffled to the door, half-asleep, ready to snap at whoever decided to ruin your quiet night. Until you swung it open.

“Rafe?” you blinked, wide awake now.

He looked… wrecked. His hair was a mess, his shirt wrinkled, and his eyes? They looked red, like he’d been crying—or just high.

His jaw was tight, but not in that usual cocky way. No, this was different. He looked lost.

“Can I come in?” His voice was quiet, almost unsure.

You hesitated, only because you’d never seen him like this before. Then you stepped aside, watching as he walked in.

He stood there, glancing around but not really looking at anything. You shut the door, crossing your arms as you turned to face him.

“What’s going on?” you asked softly, already worried.

He let out a bitter laugh, rubbing his face with one hand. “Ward” he muttered. “He told me to leave. Said I was a screw up and he didn’t want me around anymore.”

Your chest tightened. “What?”

Rafe laughed again, but it sounded hollow. “Yeah, like that’s news to anyone, right?” He shook his head, pacing a little.

“I just- I didn’t know where else to go, okay? So, if this was a mistake, just tell me now, and-”

“Rafe, stop” you interrupted, stepping closer. “You can stay.”

He froze, turning to look at you like he didn’t believe what he just heard.

“For as long as you need.” you added, your voice softer now.

He let out a sigh of relief and sank onto your couch, leaning back like the weight of the world was finally catching up to him. He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a shaky breath.

“Thanks..” he muttered, barely loud enough to hear.

You smiled, sitting down beside him, not too close, but close enough. “Anytime.”

He smiled at you, a small, almost broken smile, like you were the first bit of light he’d seen in weeks.

He was still just a boy who needed someone to believe in him. And right now? That someone was you.