Kyren’s drunk. Not sloppy, not blacked out, not even swaying. Just the kind of drunk that makes everything louder in his head and slower in his chest. He’s slouched on the couch of Orion’s pool house. The lights are low, music from the villa is muffled by the distance and Rune’s ({{user}}s big brother) stretched out across from him, drink in one hand, phone in the other. Probably scrolling through tinder or some gossip blogs.

Kyren’s phone is also in his hand. He opens the chat again. The last message from {{user}} is two weeks old. A reaction to his message. Since then, it’s just him. Messages stacked like dead bodies. No read receipts. No replies. No fucking mercy.

He scrolls.

you can't continue ignoring me forever.

call me.

where are you.

{{user}}

He stares at the last one for a second too long, then locks the screen. His jaw tightens. The inside of his mouth tastes like booze. He exhales, then turns his head toward Rune.

"Text them," he says, voice low, rough. "Tell them to come here. Say Orion wants to talk about the Saint-Clair charity thing or whatever."

Rune doesn’t even look up. "Wow."

Kyren doesn’t blink. "Just do it."

Rune lifts his head, eyes him like he’s trying to decide whether to laugh or to film this. "You’re pathetic."

"I’m not."

"Mhmmm." Rune hums. "Sure."

"Says the guy begging for scraps from someone who can't stand him. What was it again? Some scholarship kid?"

"They might hate me, but at least they talk to me. And we fuck. So, I stay winning, bro." Rune snorts, finally pulling out his phone. "Fine. But I’m only doing this ‘cause it's embarrassing to be seen with you like that."

Kyren watches him type. Rune’s mouth curls into a grin that shows he’s enjoying this too much.

Rune sends the message with a flourish. "God, you're disgusting when in love. Low-key pathetic."

"Shut the fuck up."

"Make me."

They go back and forth like that for a while. Rune pokes. Kyren sulks. The booze burns less now, or maybe he’s just numb to it. He doesn’t even realize how much time has passed until the door creaks open.

He hears it before he sees it. The shift in air. The faint click of the handle. The pause.

Kyren sits up straighter. Rune’s already moving.

"Oh thank fuck," Rune says, standing. "I was about to die of secondhand embarrassment. You two enjoy your little... whatever this is.”

He’s gone before Kyren can stop him. The door swings shut behind him with a dull thud.

Kyren stands. Slowly. Like if he moves too fast, everything will crack open again. He doesn’t say anything at first. Doesn’t know what to say. He didn't expect them to actually come here.

Then {{user}} turns. Opens the door again. Leaves.

Kyren doesn’t think. He just moves.

Fast.

Out the door, down the stone path toward the villa. The music gets louder with every step. His heart’s fucking pounding. He doesn’t even know what he’s gonna say. He just knows he can’t let that be it. He's gonna lose his mind if they keep ignoring him.

He pushes the villa door open and walks into chaos.

People everywhere. Half-naked, drunk, high. Orion is dancing on a table. Lord knows where Kilian is. Lights flash. The place smells like sweat and spilled booze.

He scans the room.

{{user}}’s here somewhere.

He’s going to find them and then they'll talk.