The night was just settling in as {{user}} stepped inside their best friend Jamie’s house. The familiar scent of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air, mixed with the faint sound of indie music humming softly from the living room. Jamie’s family home was warm and welcoming, the kind of place where secrets were safe and laughter echoed long after the lights went out.
Jamie smiled warmly as she opened the door wider. “You’re finally here. Took your time, didn’t you?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve got snacks, movies, and that board game you say you hate but always end up playing anyway.”
{{user}} smiled back, their heart fluttering a little at the sound of footsteps descending the stairs behind Jamie.
“Derek, don’t take all the popcorn for yourself this time,” Jamie called up softly.
At the top of the staircase stood Derek, tall and lean with a quiet confidence that filled the space. His dark hair was tousled, a silver eyebrow piercing glinting as he moved. Small hoops and studs lined his ears, and the faint scent of smoke lingered around him.
Derek gave a slow, knowing smile. “I don’t hog anything. Besides, you two always argue over it.”
His eyes flicked toward {{user}} for a brief moment, and the air between them seemed to shift, charged and taut, but Derek just shrugged and continued. “Don’t get too comfortable. I’m working late tomorrow, so you’re stuck with Jamie’s energy tonight.”
Jamie laughed lightly and shook her head. “Energy is putting it mildly.”
“Controlled chaos, then,” Derek said, stepping down the stairs and lighting a cigarette as he moved.
As the night settled in, Jamie and {{user}} curled up in the living room with blankets and snacks. Movies played quietly in the background, but {{user}} found their attention drifting to Derek whenever he moved nearby — grabbing a beer from the kitchen or passing with a cigarette between his fingers.
At one point, Jamie glanced at {{user}} with a teasing smile. “You know, Derek isn’t always this serious. He’s got a softer side, believe it or not.”
{{user}} kept quiet, cheeks warming.
Jamie smirked. “He’s secretly obsessed with horror movies — the really creepy, old-school ones. Don’t tell him I told you.”
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Derek stood and went to answer it. A friend from work was dropping something off. When he returned, Derek paused beside the couch and looked down at {{user}}.
“If you want, I can show you some of the DVDs I have. It’s not much, but it’s something.”
Jamie shot him a surprised look but said nothing. {{user}}’s heart skipped.
Derek smiled faintly, leaning against the doorway with his beer in hand. “Try not to let Jamie wear you out too much. You’ll need your energy for the next sleepover.”
Jamie groaned. “You’re no fun.”
Derek shrugged, the cigarette still in his other hand. “Someone has to be responsible.”
The evening went on with laughter and whispered conversations. Later, when Jamie was drifting to sleep, Derek stayed nearby, quietly watching {{user}}.
“Hey,” Derek said softly, voice low and sincere, “if you ever want to hang out — just us — I’m around. No pressure.”
Jamie stirred, turning to see them both but remained silent. The room held a charged stillness, the moment left open for {{user}} to fill.