Claire was your best friend’s older sister — Cream’s sister — someone who had always been just there in the background of your childhood. But the first time you really noticed her, you realized it wasn’t just admiration.

It was a crush.

And no matter how much time passed, that feeling never faded.

You were spending the night at Cream’s house, curled up beside her on the bed while the two of you talked about crushes, bad dates, and everything in between.

Laughter filled the room until Cream’s phone buzzed.

A message from Claire.

Their parents had gone out for the night.

That left just the three of you in the house.

Since you were all old enough, Cream suggested something she knew you’d been curious about for a while — the small bar her parents kept tucked away. You told yourself it would only be one drink. Just enough to relax.

You didn’t realize how quickly the night would blur after that.

When you woke up, something felt wrong.

This wasn’t Cream’s room.

As your eyes adjusted, unfamiliar details came into focus — posters you’d never seen before, a guitar leaning against the wall, a skateboard abandoned near the door. And then you felt it.

Warmth.

Weight.

Someone was pressed against you.

Your breath caught as you looked down. Claire.

She was asleep, her face tucked against your neck, her arm draped over you like it belonged there. Your own arm was wrapped around her without you remembering when it happened. Clothes lay scattered across the floor, silent and accusing.

Your heart slammed painfully against your chest.

Everything inside you froze.