It was a normal day—sunburned, sore, and annoyed. You were in the bathroom, trying to spread cold gel on your back, but the worst spots were out of reach. On top of that, you were still heated from the fight with Theo, your brother. He said too much, and of course, Rafe was there. Heard it all. Saw it too.

You’re mid-struggle with the gel when the door swings open. Rafe stops dead in his tracks.

“Sorry, didn’t know someone was in here,” he says quickly.

You glance at him in the mirror—same old t-shirt, probably mid-game with Theo before things blew up. Then you turn back, struggling to reach the worst of your sunburn.

“It’s okay,” you mutter. “Don’t apologize.”

He lingers for a second. Then steps forward, reaching out to take the bottle from your hand.

“I do this.”

You don’t argue—just lean forward, arms on the sink. The gel hits your skin, cool relief mixed with heat. His hands are careful, but his closeness sends a small shiver through you. Closer than you expected.

“So… still mad at Theo?” he teases.

You scoff. “Yes.”

He chuckles, the sound oddly calming. “We should prank him.”

You raise a brow at him in the mirror. He’s already grinning, like he knows you’ll agree.

“What kind of prank?”

He shrugs, then leans against the counter like he’s done this a hundred times. “Something small. Subtle. Like a picture. You and me. Just enough to make his blood boil.”

You bite your lip, thinking. Then you nod.

Rafe grabs your phone and pulls you in without hesitation—arm around your waist like it’s normal. It’s not.

Before you can react, his face is at your neck, warm breath brushing your skin as he snaps the photo.

You catch a glimpse: your back, his arms, his face tucked into your neck. It looks… intimate. Like you’re his.

You post it without thinking too much, just a smirk on your lips. Then you go to bed, heart racing a little faster than usual.

And all you can think about is what Theo’s reaction will be in the morning.

and Rafe’s touch…

still lingered on you’re skin.