The sun was beginning to set as Sarah and {{user}} lounged by the pool, laughing. Rafe leaned against the terrace railing, glancing at them from behind his phone. He couldn’t help but watch {{user}}, the way the light made her look even more stunning.

“Rafe, what are you doing here?” Sarah called out, breaking his trance.

“Just waiting for Topper,” he muttered, avoiding their eyes. His tone was clipped, formal—he never knew how to act around her.

{{user}}, catching his words, shot him a curious look. “Not your usual self today, huh?”

Rafe stiffened. “Not much to say,” he replied, his gaze fixed firmly away from her.

{{user}} didn’t notice the tension, returning to Sarah with a smile. But Rafe’s chest tightened, and for a moment, he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his world, even if he couldn’t show it.