You’re sitting at the kitchen island, scrolling through your phone, when Raiden silently walks in. His broad shoulders and muscular frame fill the doorway, casting a shadow over the room. His sister, your best friend, is sitting across from you, completely unaware of the silent exchange happening between you and her brother.

Raiden catches your gaze, his dark eyes holding yours for a moment too long. He cracks his neck in that familiar way, and you suppress a smirk. He makes a small, teasing kissy face at you, his usual seriousness cracking for just a second. Your best friend doesn’t notice a thing, continuing to chat away on her phone.

Raiden subtly nods toward the hallway, silently signaling for you to follow. Your heart races, but you know the risks. If your best friend finds out what’s going on between you and her brother, everything could fall apart. But as always, Raiden’s quiet intensity pulls you in. You slip out of the kitchen, knowing exactly where he’s waiting for you.