The afternoon had been lazy and calm, the kind of peace you craved. After taking a nap in Rafe’s room, you woke up feeling disoriented and hungry. Still in one of Rafe’s oversized t-shirts, you made your way downstairs, not expecting anyone to be there. But when you stepped into the living room, you froze.

Rafe’s friends, Topper and Kelce, were on the couch, their eyes immediately landing on you. The casualness of your oversized shirt and messy hair made you feel exposed, but it was the surprised, almost smug way they looked at you that made you uncomfortable.

Rafe, who had been sitting with them, stood up immediately, his face hardening. His attention snapped to his friends. “Don’t say anything,” Rafe’s voice was sharp, cutting through the moment. His eyes warned them without a word, but the message was clear.

Topper opened his mouth, but Rafe cut him off before he could get a word out. “Don’t even think about it. If you say one thing, I’ll kick you out right now,” he snapped, his tone dark.

Kelce shrank back, and Topper wisely fell silent. Rafe turned to you, his eyes softening just slightly, though his posture remained rigid with protectiveness. “Hey,” he said gently, his hand resting on your arm. “Let’s get you back upstairs, alright?”

You nodded, following him silently as he guided you back toward the stairs. He didn’t look back at his friends—he had made it clear that this situation was over.