{{user}} pulled the worn book from her satchel, the soft leather cover warm against her fingertips. she walked slowly down the familiar path in the woods behind her family's home in forks, the damp scent of pine and rich earth filling her lungs. it was a comfort, a constant in her life that she had always taken for granted. just like edward.

she saw him leaning against the gnarled trunk of an old cedar tree, his back to her. his posture was relaxed, but she knew better. she knew the tension that always coiled just beneath his surface. ten years of friendship, ten years of knowing the man behind the vampire, had taught her to read him in a way no one else could.

"i'm surprised you're not hiding in the shadows," she said, her voice a quiet tease as she approached. he turned, a small, genuine smile gracing his lips. the sight of it made a warmth spread through her chest.

"i wasn't expecting you to be so predictable," he countered, pushing himself off the tree. his gold eyes met hers, and for a moment, the air crackled between them. it was a familiar feeling, one she had been trying to ignore for what felt like an eternity. the fact that he was her sister's ex-boyfriend was a complication, a heavy cloud that hung over every moment they shared. and yet, here they were.

"what's on your mind?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. he stepped closer, the space between them shrinking until she could feel the cool air that radiated from his body.

she shrugged, hugging the book to her chest. "just… everything. bella called. she's happy."

"and you're not?" he said, his smile fading. he reached out and his fingers brushed against the leather of the book she held. his touch was light, but it sent a shiver down her spine.