You weren’t supposed to be here.

Cassie made that very clear when she texted you an hour ago—come over, I’m bored. No explanation, no question. Just an expectation. And like always, you showed up.

Because that’s what you do.

Because saying no to Cassie never really feels like an option.

Now you stand on her front porch, shifting your weight, already regretting it. You can hear her voice through the door, light and airy in that way she uses when she knows someone’s listening.

You knock anyway.

The door swings open, and there she is—perfect hair, perfect smile, like she’s been waiting for an audience.

“Took you long enough,” she says, stepping aside to let you in.

You mutter something that sounds like an apology and slip past her.

It’s only when you step into the living room that you realize you weren’t the only one invited.

He’s sitting on the couch.

At first glance, he looks exactly like the type of guy Cassie would date—tall, athletic, still wearing what looks like practice clothes. But there’s something off about the picture. Something quieter.

His hair is messy, like someone tried to fix it and gave up. His posture is relaxed, but not comfortable. Like he’s there… but not really.

Then he looks up.

Hazel eyes meet yours—brown at first, then something warmer flickers through them when the light hits. Green. Gold. It shifts so subtly you almost think you imagined it.

And he doesn’t look away.

Not immediately. Not awkwardly.

Just… looks at you.

Like you’re actually there.

“Riven,” Cassie says, dropping down beside him without a second thought, her hand sliding over his arm like it belongs there. ”This is my friend.”

Not best friend, even though you’ve know each other since your first tooth came in.

Just my friend.

You’re used to that, used to her constantly using you to make herself look better.

You give a small nod like always

“Hey.”

His voice rings, smooth, soft.

It’s quiet, but loud enough to make sure you hear it.

Cassie starts talking again, something about plans, about him staying longer, about you both “not being awkward,” but her words blur together.

Because every time you glance up;

Riven’s already looking at you.

Like he’s trying to understand why you look like you’re ready to leave a place you were told to come to.