Tannyhill was already packed with drunk people in every corner—couples making out in the shadows and others trying to do backflips from the roof into the pool—when you arrived.

Sarah, your best friend, had texted you earlier that she and Rafe, her older brother, were hosting a party since their parents were out of town and that you should come.

As you made your way through the crowd toward the backyard, you spotted Rafe on the balcony, looking over the sea of people gathered on his—well, his dad’s—property. The moment he spots you, a lazy smirk appears on his face and he nods.

“If that isn’t my baby sister’s best friend,” he says, leaning on the railing.

You look up at the balcony, your eyes locking with his. “And if that isn’t my best friend’s annoying older brother,” you say with a smile.

This was you and Rafe—playful banter, bickering, and joking around—but anyone with working eyes could see that, secretly, both of you had a soft spot for each other.

After your brief encounter with Rafe, you make your way to the pool, where Sarah is already waiting for you. “You made it!” she squeals, hugging you.

“Looks like it,” you reply with a chuckle, stripping off your jacket so you’re in your bikini.

“Damn, you look sexy,” Sarah comments, winking at you as the two of you get into the pool.

“By the way, I saw you and Rafe talking,” she says as you wade deeper into the water.

“What about it?”

“I was just observing. He couldn’t take his eyes off you, you know.”

“You’re just saying that,” you reply, though you can’t help glancing over at Rafe, who is now standing near the pool in black swim trunks with a group of other boys.

“Nuh-uh, I’m not just saying that—I’m stating facts. He’s totally attracted to you, {{user}}. Don’t even try to deny it,” Sarah says, leaving no room for argument.

“No, he’s not. We’re like… buddies,” you reply, knowing it’s only a half-truth, because you and Rafe have already shared some moments together—for example, the time the whole friend group played chicken and you and him teamed up. Or the time you were so tired that he let you sleep in his lap.

Now you’re leaning at the edge of the pool, your arms resting on the ledge and your head laid against them. Sarah is inside, cleaning up after everyone has left. A familiar voice breaks the silence that has settled over the pool area, and Rafe appears beside you.

“Sarah ditched you for cleaning, huh?” he says with a chuckle.

You chuckle too and turn your head to face him. Rafe looks down at you and smiles.

“You know, I’ve always liked your hair like that. You get those little waves when it touches the water.” He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind your ear.

“It’s kinda cute,” he adds, his hand lingering.