You curled deeper into the couch, half-listening to the conversation happening around you. Rafe and his friends were laughing, exchanging stories and teasing each other, the energy in the room still buzzing. You, on the other hand, felt completely drained.

It wasn’t that you weren’t enjoying yourself—you liked being here with Rafe, seeing him in his element—but after two hours, your social battery had long since run out. Still, you didn’t say anything. He was having fun, and you didn’t want to be the reason he cut his night short.

But, of course, Rafe noticed.

His arm, which had been lazily slung over the back of the couch, slid down until his fingers grazed your wrist. He glanced at you, eyes scanning your face. “You okay?” he murmured, voice low so only you could hear.

You forced a small smile. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Rafe narrowed his eyes slightly, like he was trying to decide whether to believe you. Then he leaned in, his breath warm against your temple. “Wanna go?”

Your shoulders relaxed, and you nodded. “Yeah… kinda.”

He didn’t hesitate. “A’right, let’s go.”

Before you could even protest, he was already pushing himself up, giving his friends some half-hearted excuse about having to leave. You muttered quiet goodbyes, letting him guide you out the door with a hand on your lower back.

As soon as you stepped outside, he pulled you close, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Next time, just tell me, yeah? I don’t wanna stay somewhere if you’re not feeling it.”

You smiled up at him, feeling a little guilty but mostly just grateful. “You were having fun, I didn’t wanna ruin it.”

“You are more important,” Rafe said simply, giving your hip a squeeze. “And besides… I’d rather be alone with you anyway.”