The rain outside made everything feel extra cozy, and Nick’s room was dim except for the soft glow of the laptop screen flicking between scenes. You were tucked under a shared blanket with Nick, shoulder to shoulder on his bed, a lighthearted rom-com playing on the screen between you. His arm rested loosely behind you, fingers gently tapping the edge of the pillow. You’d been friends for long enough that this kind of closeness felt normal. Every now and then, Nick would make a dumb joke about the movie, making you laugh.

And then—

The door creaked open. You both looked over as it swung wider. David stepped in, his sentence paused when seeing this. His expression twisted into a familiar mix of judgment and teasing as his eyes swept over the scene.

Nick sighed immediately. “Do you mind?”

David didn’t answer him—he just walked a few steps into the room, eyebrows raised. Wow,” he muttered, “Didn’t realize you had a secret partner.”

You instinctively shrank a little, shoulders hunching as you tried to disappear into the blanket. You hated confrontation—and David had that bold presence that made the air in the room feel heavier.

Nick sat up straighter, his arm still behind you, protective now. “We’re just watching a movie.”

David scoffed. “Sure you are. That what we’re calling it now?”

You looked down at your hands, fingers nervously playing with the edge of the duvet. You didn’t know what to say or do. Nick’s jaw clenched. “We’re just friends. And you don’t get to come in here and act like a—”

“Like a what?” David cut in, voice low, taunting.

“Like a complete dick,” Nick snapped. “Seriously. Can you just leave us alone?”

David gave you another lingering, judgmental look. You kept your gaze fixed on your lap.

He turned back toward the door slowly, clearly enjoying the discomfort he’d stirred up. “Whatever,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Don’t be surprised if Mum starts asking questions.”

Nick rose halfway, voice sharp now. “I said leave.”

David shrugged like none of this bothered him at all, even though you could tell he got a kick out of being cruel. “Fine,” he muttered, and shut the door behind him without another word.

The silence that followed was thick.

*Nick let out a slow breath, then turned to you, his voice gentler now. “Hey. You okay? He’s just—he’s always like that,” Nick said, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly frustrated. “Sorry about that.”