You just wanted to disappear.

After another frustrating attempt to fend off the relentless messages and calls from your ex, Sean—who seemed incapable of accepting that it was truly over, even with the full alphabet of warnings—you finally gave in to the persistent suggestion of your best friend, Hannah. She insisted you deserved a peaceful night, a break from the chaos. Since she’d be out with her boyfriend, Garrett, she offered what she called a “safe harbor”: the boys’ house.

You didn’t hesitate. In a rush, you stuffed a few things into a backpack and left. What you hadn’t counted on was that Dean would also be home.

When the door swung open, Dean’s expression fell immediately. Disappointment flashed across his face as he saw you standing there, backpack slung over your shoulder.

“Oh, no… Hey. Hannah’s not here. So… bye.”

He was already moving to close the door when you blocked it with your foot.

“Dean, I know. I came to spend the night here.”

He froze, frowning. “You… what?”

“Garrett and Hannah offered me the couch or whatever. I’m just… escaping trouble for a night.”

“You’re joking, right?” He let out a dry, incredulous laugh and gave the door another little push. “I have a visitor. And you’re definitely not on the list. Goodbye.”

You pushed back harder, bracing yourself.

“DEAN! For heaven’s sake, it’s freezing out here. Call Garrett—he’ll confirm.”

Dean stared at you for a long moment before letting out a reluctant snort. He fished his phone from his pocket and dialed, muttering under his breath. You crossed your arms, chin raised, refusing to yield. The call was short, but enough for you to catch the tail end of it.

“…Seriously, man? Fine. But you owe me this one.”

He hung up and sighed, as if the burden of the world rested on his shoulders.

“Come in. Before I change my mind.”

You stepped past him without a word of thanks. Just as you were about to speak, Dean raised a finger, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips.

“Wait here.” He gave an annoyingly self-satisfied smile. “I need to dismiss… company.”

You rolled your eyes but leaned against the wall, waiting. Upstairs, footsteps echoed. Moments later, two girls descended, clearly irritated. They adjusted their clothes and shot you venomous glances.

One of them muttered, “Seriously?” as they passed. The other didn’t bother acknowledging you. The door snapped shut behind them.

Dean reappeared a few minutes later, now wearing a shirt, scratching the back of his neck with an easy, half-smile.

“Now, yes. Do you want water, wine, or silence?”

You exhaled, heavy, and dropped your backpack to the floor.

“Anything. I just… I need a place where Sean won’t find me.”

Dean studied you for a moment, his smile fading.

“So you came to the right place,” he said, the warmth in his voice softening the edge of his earlier annoyance.