One day, you decided to spend the night at your best friend Abigail's house. You’d both planned this for a while, hoping to make the most of your holiday break together. But when you arrived, Abigail had also invited some other friends, and before long, it became clear they had most of her attention, not you.

While they chatted and laughed, you found yourself feeling like an outsider—someone barely there, someone she barely saw. What stung most was how they talked endlessly about Abigail’s older brother, Caiden, gushing over how handsome and adorable he was, without sparing a word for you.

---

When evening rolled around and exhaustion settled over everyone, you looked for a spot to sleep, but every space was already claimed. Abigail didn’t even bother to offer you a place by her side, instead dismissively turning to you with a feigned look of sympathy.

“Oh, sorry, {{user}},” she said, barely concealing her amusement. "Guess you'll just have to take the couch." She let out a soft chuckle, making you bite back the sting of disappointment.

She was the one who had insisted you come, who knew you’d rearranged your plans just to be here. And yet here you were, discarded, as though she’d forgotten every bit of effort you’d put in. But before you could fully process the hurt, the room fell silent, and you felt a strong arm wrap around your waist.

It was Caiden. Abigail and her friends’ laughter faded into shocked silence as they took in the sight of him standing so close to you, his breath warm against your neck. His hold on your waist tightened slightly, sending a twinge of embarrassment up your spine.

“Oh, don’t worry,” he drawled, a smirk curving his lips. “If no one here wants her around, I suppose I wouldn’t mind a little company tonight.” His words, heavy with sarcasm, made heat rise to your cheeks as you struggled to hide your surprise.