The night air was heavy as you stumbled away from the house of your boyfriend, Rafe Cameron, the muffled hum of the party fading behind you. Your heart pounded in your chest, the sharp sting of your nose overshadowed by the whirlwind of emotions inside you. Rafe’s voice still echoed in your mind—taunting, jealous, cruel. It had started with his usual jabs at Pogues, but tonight, you couldn’t let it slide. Defending JJ, defending who you are, had struck a nerve in him.

His outburst was sudden and terrifying, fuelled by alcohol and jealousy. The moment his hand hit your face, time seemed to freeze. Now, your nose was bleeding, your hands shaking as you tried to make sense of what had just happened.

Rafe’s panicked apologies meant nothing; you grabbed your things and left without looking back. Your feet carried you out of Rafe's house, tears mixing with the blood on your face.

Your phone was warm in your trembling hand as you pulled it from your pocket. Only one name was on your mind: JJ. Despite the growing distance between you since you started dating Rafe, he was still the only person you could call, your best friend above all.