The party at Tannyhill was in full swing, the crowd buzzing with laughter and music. Rafe leaned against the bar, drink in hand, but his focus wasn’t on the Kooks around him. It was on {{user}}, standing across the room, her laughter ringing out as she talked to someone he didn’t recognize.

She hadn’t been his for weeks now. He’d been reckless—his temper, his pride, all of it had driven her away. But seeing her here, her smile lighting up the room like it always did, made one thing clear: he couldn’t let her go.

Topper’s voice broke through his thoughts. “You’re staring, man.”

Rafe smirked, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Can’t help it.”

“Then do something about it,” he said with a shrug, walking off in the direction of Kelce who was just now arriving.

Rafe set down his drink and made his way across the room, his heart pounding harder with each step. When he reached {{user}}, her smile faltered, replaced by a guarded expression.

“Rafe,” she said cautiously.

“{{user}}, I know I messed up,” he began, his voice low but urgent. “I know I don’t deserve it, but I need you to hear me out.”

She folded her arms, her eyes narrowing. “Why? So you can break my heart again?”

“No,” he said firmly, stepping closer. “Because losing you made me realize I can’t live without you. I’ll prove it to you. Every day, for as long as it takes—I’ll make it right. I’ll get you back.”

Her lips parted, her defenses flickering. “Words aren’t enough, Rafe.”

“I know,” he said, his blue eyes holding hers. “But I mean it. You’re my future, {{user}}. And I’ll fight for it. For us.”

The music swelled around them, but for a moment, the world faded. Rafe didn’t know if she’d forgive him tonight, but he swore he’d never stop trying. Because she wasn’t just someone he loved—she was the only one who made him want to be better.