Rafe pulls up outside your place way too late.

You hear the bike’s engine stop. When you open the door, he is standing there with his helmet in his hand, chest rising fast. His jaw is clenched and there is a bruise on his cheek that looks fresh.

“Can we go,” he says. “I’m gonna lose my shit if I stay here.”

You do not ask questions. You grab your helmet and follow him out.

He rides like he is pissed at the road. Fast, rough, cutting corners. You hold onto him tight, your arms locked around his waist. You can feel how tense he is, like his whole body is buzzing.

After a few minutes, he slows down. Not calm, just less angry. One of his hands comes back and grips your hand for a second.

He pulls off right by the ocean and kills the engine.

The waves are loud, rolling in steady and slow. Moonlight stretches across the water, bright and silver, lighting everything up like it is meant just for this moment.

Rafe rips his helmet off and drops it in the sand.

“Fuck,” he mutters, running a hand through his hair. “I can’t do this anymore.”

You stand close, letting him talk.

“My dad went off again,” he says. “Saying I’m screwing everything up. Acting like I’m the reason his life’s a mess.”

He lets out a sharp breath.

“And Rose,” he adds. “She just stands there. Didn’t say a word. Like I wasn’t even there. I know she’s not my real mother, but it’s still shitty of her to just watch.”

He looks out at the water, jaw tight.

“I try so hard to be what he wants, a good brother..a good son..” Rafe says. “And it’s never enough. Ever. Sarah will always be the favorite.”

His voice cracks and it pisses him off. He steps closer, hands grabbing your waist, firm, grounding.

“I swear, sometimes I feel like I’m one second away from doing something really bad,” he admits.

You press your forehead to his. He lets you.

Behind him, the waves crash and pull back again, over and over. The moon hangs high above the water, bright and calm, like it is watching everything.

“I don’t wanna end up like him,” Rafe says quietly. “But I don’t know how to stop it.”

He exhales hard and leans into you, resting his head against your shoulder. His arms wrap around you tight.