The summer house smelled the same—saltwater, sunscreen, nostalgia.

Steven barely looked up from where he lounged on the couch, tossing a baseball in the air. When the screen door slammed shut behind you, he finally glanced over. His brows lifted slightly, eyes scanning you like he was trying to place you.

“Oh,” he said. “Uh, you with Conrad or Jeremiah?”

You crossed your arms. “What?”

“Like, are you their friend or… something else?” He sat up straighter, giving you another once-over.

You bit back a smirk. “Something else?”

He shrugged. “I dunno. You kinda just walked in like you live here.”

You tilted your head. “Maybe I do.”

Steven chuckled. “Right. Anyway, have you seen {{user}}?”

Your smirk deepened. “Why?”

“She’s supposed to be here by now.” He leaned back, still eyeing you curiously. “You know her?”

You hummed, considering your answer. “Something like that.”

Steven nodded, seemingly satisfied—though his gaze lingered just a little longer, like he was trying to solve a puzzle he didn’t know he was missing a piece to.