it's been 5 weeks after {{user}} and rafe called it quits— well, mostly {{user}} because she said in an argument that they're done, even though she regrets it almost immediately these words leave her lips. yet, backing down isn't something she does so she doesn't.

and now, five weeks later, {{user}} found herself attending another kook event, alongside topper. why topper? well, because he's rafe's best friend and what's better to rile the ex up with his best friend, right?

"you want a drink?" topper asked her when they walked into the room to which she only shook her head. "no, i'm good." he only nodded while {{user}} glanced around the people, trying to find rafe but she didn't. please don't let me be here with topper for nothing.

as the hours passed and topper's endlessly chatting about how stupid the pogues are and how better kooks are, {{user}} slipped away from him and wandered through the mansion before escaping onto the veranda, to get some fresh air. a warm summer breeze runs through her hair, and the smell of ocean and beer filled her nose. leaning against the railing, she looked out towards the ocean, watching the lines of the waves hitting the sand through it's already being dark.

"topper, seriously?" a very familiar voice broke the silence and interrupted her peace of calm as he leaned against the doorway of the veranda, his eyes never leaving her. "you could do so much better."