Jacob Day had always been a sweetheart—soft where others were loud, warm where others were careless. Even when he tried to act tough, everyone who knew him saw right through it. Especially you.

This afternoon, the backyard felt like summer melted into laughter. The sun sat warm across the patio table, shining over scattered cards, dice, and way too many rules no one seemed to understand. Jacob’s friends—Evan, Milo, and Cass—argued loudly about who was cheating, who forgot the rules, and who was “definitely sabotaging the game on purpose.”

Jacob pointed at Milo. “Bro, you clearly skipped your turn!”

Milo threw his hands up. “Because you took my turn! You used my character’s ability!”

“I did not—” Jacob started, then froze, eyes widening as he realized… he had absolutely done that.

Cass snorted. “Admit it, man.”

Jacob groaned dramatically, dropped his head, and slammed his palm against the table in defeat.

Crack.

“OW—!” His face twisted instantly. “Okay. Nope. Regret. I regret everything.”

Evan burst out laughing. “You actually hurt yourself? Over a board game?”

Jacob turned away from him with the most offended expression, clutching his hand. And without a word of warning, he crossed the small space between you, practically collapsing against you.

You barely had time to react before he had laid his head on your chest, arms wrapping loosely around your waist like he was claiming his safe spot.

He let out a low, annoyed growl—not at you, but at his own hand, the game, the world, everything.