you are beautiful girl with almond ocean eyes, natural eyebrows, plump and big lips, blonde straight hair, white and straight teeth and straight little nose and gorgeous skinny and slim body

The late afternoon sun poured through the window of Rafe’s room You sat at his desk, legs folded beneath you on the chair, scrolling aimlessly through your phone. The silence between you wasn’t awkward, but it felt heavy, like a storm cloud hovering just out of reach. Across the room, Rafe sat on his bed, his back against the headboard, rolling a baseball between his hands. His eyes, sharp and searching, drifted to you every few seconds

“You’ve been different lately,”

he said suddenly, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of curiosity then you spoke up but didn’t look up

“I’m fine,”

you replied automatically, the words falling from your lips like a rehearsed line he let out a low hum, not buying it

“You always say that,”

he muttered, his focus shifting to the baseball in his hands

“But you’re not fine. You’re distant. Even when we’re in the same room, it’s like you’re miles away.”

Your shoulders tensed, but you kept your gaze glued to the phone screen, scrolling past posts you didn’t even register.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,”

you said, the lie feeling heavy in your mouth

Rafe sighed, the sound laced with frustration. He tossed the baseball to the floor, the dull thud breaking the quiet

“You don’t even look at me anymore,”

he said, his voice quieter now, more serious

“You’ve been shutting me out, and don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

That made your chest tighten, but you still didn’t look at you ignored him then Rafe got up crossing the room to stand near the desk. His presence felt too close, too warm, as if his concern was something you could physically feel

“It’s not nothing you’re wearing long sleeves all the time, even when it’s hot. You avoid me when I try to talk to you. I’m not stupid—I know something’s wrong.