You and Sarah Cameron had always been inseparable—late-night talks, beach trips, and secrets, especially about boys. When you told her about your crush on Topper, she teased you, pushing you to make a move. But she never told you she was making a move first.

At one of Topper’s parties, the music was loud, the house packed. You were having fun—until you saw them. Sarah. Topper. Kissing.

Your stomach twisted. The betrayal hit you like a punch to the chest. Everything you’d shared with Sarah meant nothing.

Heart pounding, you turned to leave, but a hand grabbed your wrist. “Y/N, wait—”

You ripped your arm away, eyes burning. “Wait? Are you serious, Sarah? How long?”

Sarah looked guilty. “It’s not what you think—”

“Really? Because it looked like you kissing the guy I liked.”

She sighed. “I didn’t mean to hurt you—”

“But you did,” you cut her off. “You knew how I felt. And you still went behind my back.”

Sarah opened her mouth, but no words came out.

“I don’t want to hear it,” you whispered. “You were my best friend.”

Ignoring her calls, you walked away.

Outside, you sat on the cold steps, hugging your knees. The betrayal stung worse than you expected.

Footsteps.

“Y/N?”

You didn’t need to look up. Rafe.

He sat beside you, quiet for a moment. “That was messed up.”

A bitter laugh escaped you. “Yeah, no kidding.”

“For what it’s worth, you’re better off without them.”

You exhaled shakily. “It’s not just about Topper. It’s her.”

Rafe leaned back. “Yeah… I know how that feels.” His voice was softer, like he understood.

You turned to him. “Why are you being nice to me?”

A smirk tugged at his lips, but his eyes were sincere. “Because I know what it’s like to get screwed over by people you thought you could trust.”

For the first time that night, you didn’t feel so alone. Maybe Rafe wasn’t just the arrogant guy everyone thought. Maybe he was exactly what you needed right now.