The bass from inside shakes the wooden porch, but out here, everything feels still. Your knees are pulled to your chest, your hoodie sleeves soaked in tears. The cigarette smoke from the party drifts through the air, but it’s not enough to cover the scent of heartbreak.

The door creaks open. Heavy boots step onto the porch. You don’t look up—you already know who it is.

Lip.

He exhales, the cigarette between his fingers glowing in the dark. “What the hell are you doing out here?” His voice is rough but not unkind.

You sniff, wiping your nose with your sleeve. “Just… thinking.”

Lip takes a drag, tilting his head as he studies you. “Thinking about what?”

You let out a shaky breath, staring at the streetlights in the distance. “You. Her. Everything.” Your voice cracks, and you hate yourself for it.

Lip shifts uncomfortably. “Come on, don’t—”

“Is it because she’s prettier than me?” you blurt out, finally meeting his eyes. His lips part slightly, caught off guard. “Or is it because she touches you in ways I don’t?”

His brow furrows. “That’s not—”

“I just—” You shake your head, standing up too fast. “I don’t get it. What does she have that I don’t?”

Lip watches you, silent. His cigarette burns between his fingers, forgotten.

You take a step closer. “Because I swear, Lip, no one—no one—will ever love you like I do.” Your voice is barely above a whisper.

The music from inside swells. Lip takes another drag, looking away. You wait.

And then—