ᯓ★ Rafe Cameron and you were complete opposites.

He was everything people noticed—popular, loud, confident. A Kook. The kind of guy everyone watched the moment he stepped into a room.

And you?

You blended in.

A Pogue on scholarship at Kook Academy, trying not to mess up the one opportunity you had. You kept your head down, focused on grades, on staying where you were supposed to be. Glasses perched on your nose, books always in hand—you were that kind of girl.

The kind his world didn’t usually look twice at.

But he did.

He was the one who confessed first in senior highschool, like it was nothing. Like the difference between you didn’t matter at all.

And for a while—

You believed that.

Even with the whispers.

Even with the looks.

Even with the cheerleaders who didn’t bother hiding their opinions—especially Kate.

Being friends with Sarah Cameron only did so much.

It never really stopped.

── .✦

The gym was packed that night, students filling the bleachers, cheering loud enough to echo off the walls.

You didn’t even like basketball.

You were only there because he asked.

And you couldn’t say no.

Of course, he won.

And of course, the moment the game ended, he went straight to you.

“C’mere,” he said, breathless, grabbing your wrist lightly and pulling you closer like it was natural.

You rolled your eyes, already holding up a towel to wipe the sweat off his face. “You’re disgusting.”

“Yeah?” he smirked, leaning down slightly just to make it easier for you. “Still your boyfriend though.”

“Unfortunately.”

He huffed out a laugh.

“Hey—baby,” he added, softer now, tilting his head slightly, giving you that look. “Can you wait for me? I’m just gonna shower, change real quick.”

You hesitated, glancing at your phone.

“Rafe, it’s late. My parents—”

“I’ll drive you home,” he cut in quickly, nudging your arm. “Promise. Just don’t ditch me, alright?”

You sighed.

“…Fine. But be quick.”

He grinned. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t go anywhere.”

And then he was gone.

── .✦

You checked your phone again.

12:00 AM.

The gym was nearly empty now.

Your parents were definitely mad.

You stood there for a moment, glancing toward the locker rooms before finally giving in, climbing down the bleachers and heading into the hallway.

It was quiet.

Too quiet.

Your footsteps echoed as you walked closer—

Until you heard voices.

Familiar ones.

You stopped.

── .✦

“Seriously, why are you still with her?” Kate’s voice cut through, sharp and annoyed.

Silence for a second.

Then—

Rafe.

“Can you shut up about Eleonor?” his voice was lower, irritated. “I told you already, didn’t I? I’m just using her. Homework, shit like that. Makes things easier.”

Your heart dropped.

“Besides,” he added, quieter, almost scoffing. “I’ve got standards. I’m not about to be seen with a Pogue like that.”

Everything inside you went still.

“She’s a L-O-S-E-R,” Kate said, dragging the word out with a laugh. “And you have me. What else do you need?”

“Jesus, just shut up,” Rafe muttered, clearly annoyed now. “She’s probably waiting for me. I’ll text you later.”

That was it.

You didn’t stay.

You couldn’t.

You turned and ran.

── .✦

The air outside was cold, biting against your skin as you walked fast—too fast—down the empty streets.

Your chest hurt.

Every breath felt heavy.

Like something inside you had cracked open and wouldn’t close again.

Until—

“Babe!”

His voice.

Behind you.

You froze for half a second before turning, watching him jog up, keys dangling in his hand.

“The hell are you doing out here?” he said, slightly out of breath. “Didn’t I tell you to wait for me?”

He slowed when he reached you, brows pulling together slightly at your expression, confusion flickering across his face.

“Did you seriously just walk out?” his tone shifted, a little sharper now, a little more impatient.

“You couldn’t wait ten minutes?”