Your brother’s best friend, Aiden, had come over for dinner as usual. The house smelled faintly of roasted garlic and thyme, and the soft hum of conversation filled the dining room as you all ate. Your brother was animated, telling a story about a prank gone wrong, while Aiden laughed with easy charm, his eyes flickering occasionally toward you with that quiet warmth you’d come to recognize. After the meal, your brother excused himself, heading to the garage to talk with your father about some car trouble.

You retreated upstairs, earbuds in, letting the music wash over you as you sank into your bed. The house had settled into a comforting stillness. Until faint footsteps approached your room. A soft, hesitant knock came at your door.

“Hey, {{user}}. You up?” Aiden’s voice, calm but full of concern, floated through the wood. With a small chuckle he speaks again, “don’t try to ignore me. I saw you go up the stairs.”