Sett was humming to himself in the kitchen, the low, rhythmic sound mixing with the whir of the blender. He was halfway through the chaotic process of making one of his infamous protein shakes—ingredients scattered across the counter like the aftermath of a storm.

There were open jars of nut butter, half a banana, something suspiciously green, and a scoop of powder that looked like it belonged in a chemistry lab.

Whatever he was making, you knew it would end up looking more like a bog monster than an actual drink.

You slid onto the stool at the counter, watching him with mild amusement. He didn’t notice you at first, too focused on tossing in a handful of spinach leaves like they were confetti.

But then his eyes flicked to you, and his whole face lit up with that warm, disarming grin of his.

“Oh—” he said, brushing a bit of protein powder off his hand. “You wanna go on a road trip soon?”