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Hidden Flames- Chapter 2

Summary: Y/N, a Kook who prefers the company of her Pogue friends, falls for Rafe Cameron. Despite their growing feelings, they maintain a facade due to their conflicting social circles and personal insecurities. Y/N is best friends with Sarah, Rafe's sister, which fuels Rafe's hidden affection. He despises how Y/N hangs out with the Pogues, believing she has more potential, while Y/N can't stand Rafe's for fights and stuck up nature. After a dramatic confrontation, they confess their feelings but must keep their relationship secret, with only Sarah in the know.

Warnings: 18+ only! Fluff, Slight Angst?, Adult language, Slight Substance use

Authors note: Hey guys! I hope you like this... I'm sorry its so long and Im sorry if theres slight writing mistakes, I just kind of wanted to get it all finished :')

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The sunlight filtered through the gaps in the heavy curtains, casting slivers of light across the room. You blinked awake, your head pounding from the aftermath of last night's alcohol-fueled decisions.

Desperately needing a Tylenol to ease the pain, you struggled to piece together the fragmented memories of the previous night. As your eyes adjusted to the brightness, you recognized the room – it was Rafe's. The events of the last night came flooding back, causing a mix of emotions to swirl in your chest: the party, the fight, the kiss.

As anxiety began to build, you turned your head and saw Rafe, still asleep beside you. His face, usually set in a smirk or scowl, was relaxed, almost peaceful. You took a moment to take in all his features, his chest still bare from last night’s activities. The sight of him like this, vulnerable and serene, was disarming. You carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to wake him. You grabbed a discarded piece of clothing across the floor to cover your chest – it was Rafe’s shirt from last night, oversized on you. Grabbing your phone, you tiptoed to the bathroom, needing a moment to collect your thoughts.

Your phone was lit up with missed notifications from the Pogues and Sarah. The half-assed lie you texted them last night, a futile attempt to assure them you were okay, now seemed laughably mediocre. The worry you had caused them only added to the weight of your guilt. In the harsh bathroom light, you examined your reflection. Your hair was slightly messy, and your cheeks were flushed. But there was something else you couldn’t quite put into words – a newfound intensity in your eyes, a hint of confusion and vulnerability.

You splashed cold water on your face, trying to wash away the remnants of last night. Not knowing how to feel, you reflected on the fact that you slept with someone you swore you hated, better yet your best friend’s brother, and worse than that, your friend’s least favorite person ever. The most confusing part was that you didn’t feel regret; the feelings you felt last night were indescribable. He made you feel a way you’ve never felt before. None of your previous boyfriends ever made you feel that way. Your only long-term boyfriend, Chris, loved you of course but he never once looked at you like Rafe did.

You thought Chris was your high school sweetheart, the kind of guy who seemed perfect on paper. He was always polite, and well-mannered, never got into trouble, and had a bright future ahead of him. Basically, he was the kind of guy parents adored and it was true your parents loved him. They still ask you how he is doing- hell do you know?

At the beginning of your relationship together, Chris’s predictability and dependability felt like exactly what you needed. He was kind and reliable and provided a sense of balance in your life. However as your time went on, that same predictability began to feel stale. His calmness started to make you feel emotionally isolated, causing distance between you. His steadiness felt more like stagnation.

Despite the good qualities you saw in him, Chris never made your heart race or feel special; you wanted him to look at you like you were the only girl in the world. But he rarely looked at you with passion or desire. It always felt like something was missing. His love was nice, but there were moments when you craved more—something you couldn’t quite put your finger on—until your kiss with Rafe.

You tried to talk to Chris about your feelings, hoping he would understand. But every conversation seemed to hit a wall. Chris would insist that everything was fine and that you were overthinking things. He was blindsided, and you felt stuck; his lackluster effort to address your concerns only intensified your frustration. You wanted him to fight for you, to show some sign that he was willing to put in the effort to make things work, but he remained passive.

Long story short, you ended up breaking up with him one day after school, telling him you didn’t love him anymore and couldn’t keep doing it. The look of hurt and confusion on his face was something you would never forget. You haven’t spoken to him since, hoping you’d never have to again.

Rafe looked at you last night in a way that made you feel truly seen like you were the only person in the room. His gaze held a depth of emotion and desire that Chris’s never did, making you feel alive in ways you never thought possible. Rafe made your heart race and your pulse quicken. His presence was intoxicating, drawing you in despite all the reasons you had to stay away. Every touch, every whispered word, felt charged with a passion that was both thrilling and terrifying. In the few hours you spent with Rafe, you experienced highs and lows that Chris’s steady demeanor never brought. It was messy and complicated, but it also felt real.

Though you knew Rafe came with his own set of dangers and complications, you couldn't deny the way he made you feel. Rafe gave you a sense of excitement and passion that you had been missing. The way Rafe looked at you, with a mixture of longing and intensity, was something Chris never did.

After borrowing some mouthwash and quickly splashing some more water on your face, you made your way back out.

As you returned to the bed, your slight indent in the bed made Rafe stir. Seeing him slightly open up his eyes giving you a sleepy smile. You offered him a warm smile back, getting back into bed Rafe instinctively pulled you up to his chest, resting your cheek on his warm skin. Everything still seemed so perfect, but knowing you had to face your friends today, your guilt only grew

Rafe was the first to break the peaceful silence. "Good morning, you look beautiful," he murmured. You looked up at the sound of his voice, locking eyes with him. There was a secure feeling in his gaze, yet a flutter of nervousness stirred within you.

“Good morning” you replied, your voice barely above a whisper, a smile tugging on your lips.

An awkward silence followed as you both struggled to find the right words, knowing that the events of last night needed to be addressed. Your heart raced, anticipation and uncertainty mingling in the air.

"About last night," he started, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on his features. He looked a bit disheveled, his hair tousled and also dealing with a massive hangover headache. "I'm sorry if things got...awkward."

You shook your head, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on your skin. "It wasn't awkward, Rafe, just... very unexpected. I need some time to process it all." The room was quiet, the only sound was the gentle rustling of leaves outside the window. You could feel your heart still beating a little faster than normal.

Rafe nodded, looking relieved yet apprehensive. He glanced around the room, his eyes briefly resting on the discarded clothes on the floors and the morning light spilling onto the floor. "I get that. Just...what does this mean for us? For you and me?" His voice was soft, almost hesitant as if he was afraid of your answer.

You looked down at your hands, avoiding his gaze. "I don't know, Rafe. I really don't know. Everything is so confusing right now."

His face fell slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper, and you could sense the tension building between you. "I just need to know if you regret it. If you regret being with me." You could feel his vulnerability in that moment, you were used to him being the most confident man on the island but here he was, seeking your validation- reminding you he is only human.

You met his eyes, the intensity in your gaze matching his. "I don't regret it, Rafe. But that doesn't mean I know what to do next." You weren’t lying, you had the best night of your life, you only remembered some of it but the way he made you feel, the way he touched you, the way he held you, was a feeling you never wanted to let go of.

Rafe sighed, the tension in the room palpable, his brows furrowed in confusion, it was obvious he wanted a straightforward solution to something so complex. "So, what? We just go back to pretending nothing happened?"

You shook your head, feeling the weight of his words, slowly rubbing your hands on his chest trying to get him to calm down. "No, I just... I need to clear my head. Please understand."

Rafe looked down, his frustration evident but tempered by understanding. "I want to understand. I do. Just...don't shut me out, okay?" He gave you a pleading look, knowing the vulnerable side he gave you last night, something no one else had seen before.

“Rafe it was just a lot that happened ok, even you can’t deny that. You fought with me and my friends at the party, you ran after me on the beach and kissed me, and then I came over to your house and we ended up sleeping together.” You sighed in defeat, letting your hands drop from his chest, pushing yourself off, almost making your way off the bed.

The vulnerability in your voice seemed to soften him. He reached out and took your hand trying to pull you back towards him, his touch gentle. "We'll figure it out, okay? Together."

You nodded, appreciating his attempt to reassure you but still feeling the weight of uncertainty. "I have to go. My mom needs me back before noon," you lied, needing an excuse to get away and clear your head.

Rafe sensed your uncertainty and urgency in your response but knew it was probably best not to push this too far. "Okay," he said softly in defeat, letting go of your hand. "Here, let me put my phone number in your phone, in case you need anything."

You handed him your phone, and he quickly entered his number and texted him. As he finished, you started putting on your clothes from the night before. The awkwardness of dressing in silence was palpable, but neither of you knew what to say. You felt his eyes on you, not daring to look over.

Rafe walked you to the front door, both of you trying to hold onto the brief sense of normalcy. "Take care," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "And don't hesitate to call or text, okay?"

You nodded, forcing a small smile, even though all you wanted to do was cry, scared you made everything awkward" I will. Thanks, Rafe."

With that, you walked to your car, still parked where you left it the night before. The drive home was filled with a mix of relief and confusion. You swiftly got out of your car, making your way into your house and upstairs, without raising any suspicion from your parents. The last thing you want is your parents questioning your whereabouts last night.

Your room was the same way you left it on Friday afternoon. Your neatly made bed, your overflowing laundry basket, your makeup scattered across your desk; everything untouched.

You quickly got refreshed, taking a warm shower and letting the water wash away the undeniable bubble of emotions you were feeling after leaving Rafe's house. You felt like everything happened so fast, not knowing what to make of your new feelings towards him and not knowing if it was right. Everything seemed so confusing, you know you couldn’t avoid Rafe and you’d run into him eventually. You just needed time to sort out your thoughts, to convince yourself that seeing him again doesn’t make you a terrible friend. Seeing him again meant you’d be forgetting about all your previous resentment towards him, it meant putting to the side your friend’s absolute hatred towards him. You couldn’t deny how he made you feel and the different side of him you saw, you craved to see that side again- his smile, him holding you, him whispering in your ear. Your mind only wandered to the possibilities of what other sides of Rafe you haven’t seen. There was so much you didn’t know and it only made the pit in your stomach grow.

After dressing in fresh clothes and a swimsuit, you made your way to the Chateau, remembering your promise to go boating with the Pogues that afternoon. The weight of the morning’s events still lingered, but you hoped the distraction of the day would help clear your mind.

—

After a quick drive, you arrive at the Chateau, basically another one of your second homes where you spend a lot of your time. Sometimes spending the nights when you just couldn’t be around your nagging parents, or when you were too drunk or high to even think about driving.

You jumped out of your Jeep, and made your way into the chateau, already being able to hear your friend's stupid laughter and JJ’s stupid jokes. Knowing that as soon as you walked in, the atmosphere would change and questions would arise.

As you slowly opened the door they all looked up from each other at the squeaking door, their eyes landing on you now in complete silence, knowing that questions would soon follow.

Kiara was the first to break the silence, instantly coming and giving you a bear hug followed by JJ giving you a big hug and saying “Y/N Holy shit, we thought you died, we got your text last night but something seemed off. Are you doing ok?” John B and Pope joined in the hug.

Your gut instantly fell, knowing that was going to be one of the first questions they asked, so you sucked up your breath and again lied, “Yep I’m doing ok, just still really shaken up from that fight you know. Just need to clear my head. But I missed you guys, I’m sorry I left the way I did.”

All of them were relieved and content with your answer and released you from the tight hug. Letting you take in a nice deep breath. Finally taking into vision both JJ’s and John B’s bruised cheeks and eyes. Your hands instinctively go up to caress their face, worrying filling your eyes. Your best friends have bruises because of you- well not you specifically but you felt responsible.

JJ winced back as the cut on his cheek hurt when your hand brushed over it, “Y/N, it’s not as bad as it looks, I’m okay. We’d do it again in a heartbeat”.

You felt instant guilt, they stood up for you yet you slept with the guy who did this to them. All you could muster up to say was “Thank you guys for helping me in that fight last night, you didn’t have to do that."

John B gave you a loving look, “Y/N of course we did, that bitch Rafe Cameron had it coming. He’s constantly on your ass. We tried our best to put him in his place.”

Your eyes fell, hiding behind the actions of last night, “I truly love you guys, thank you. I’m sorry again for just leaving. My mind was racing.”

Pope was the next to chime in, offering you his sympathetic tone, “Don’t even worry about it ok Y/N, plus we totally beat the shit out of those Kooks. I’m sorry you have to deal with those assholes.” Causing you to chuckle at his response, already lighting the mood.

“Alright guys, no more moping about those asshole Kooks, we got a boat to catch and some tanning to do,” Kie said with an uneasy attitude throwing her hands in the air, trying to make sure our pity party doesn’t last until the sun goes down.

“You’re damn right Kie,” you say, pulling her into a side hug.

The group headed out to the pier, the sun casting a golden glow on the water. JJ walked beside you, nudging you playfully.

“You know, Y/N, if you ever need a distraction from all the Kook drama, I’m always available,” he teased, winking.

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “JJ, you’re always flirting. We both know you’re just looking for an excuse to show off your abs.”

He laughed, flexing exaggeratedly. “Guilty as charged. But seriously, you okay?”

You nodded, appreciating his concern. “Yeah, just a lot on my mind.”

As you approached the boat, John B. and Pope were already getting things ready. “Hey, Y/N,” Pope called out, “you seeing anyone lately? We noticed you’ve been kinda distant.”

Your stomach tightened at the question. “No, not really. Just dealing with some stuff. You know my parents are always on my ass.” You gave a half chuckle, a dead giveaway you were lying.

Kiara gave you a knowing look. “Is it because of how Rafe treats you? Why do you still hang out with his sister if he’s such an asshole?”

You sighed, the weight of their concern pressing on you. “Sarah’s my friend Kie. I just can't. It’s complicated. But yeah, Rafe’s been... difficult.” It was much more than difficult, it was complicated now since you

slept with the man.

JJ pulled out a blunt, lighting it up. “Here, this will help you relax.” putting it up to his mouth to take a drag before he continued, “Y/N it’s simple, just don’t let that dick make you feel like that.” You chuckled at his lackluster response, grabbing the blunt from him.

You took a hit, feeling the tension ease away slightly. “Thanks, JJ. I needed that.”

The boat ride was also just what you needed. The Pogues' laughter and banter filled the air, the sun warmed your skin, and for a while, the worries of the morning melted away. JJ made more flirty comments, which you brushed off with ease, knowing it was just part of your normal dynamic. The boat sped across the water, wind in your hair, and you felt a sense of freedom you hadn’t felt all day.

You all took turns diving into the water, the cool waves washing away the last remnants of tension. When you climbed back onto the boat, the sun was still still beating down on you, casting a beautiful golden hue over everything. You lay back on the deck, closing your eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun and the companionship of your friends.

JJ lay down next to you, his hand brushing against yours. “You know, if you ever need to talk about anything, I’m here. We all are.”

You turned your head to look at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. “Thanks, JJ. That means a lot.”

The day ended with everyone lounging on the boat, the last rays of sunlight disappearing over the horizon. As the boat made its way back to the pier, you felt a sense of calm. You knew you had to deal with your feelings for Rafe eventually, but for now, you had your friends, and that was enough.

—

You docked the boat late afternoon, the golden hues of the sunset arrest casting a serene glow over the water. The calmness of the moment was enhanced by the Pogues' laughter and light-hearted teasing. You felt so calm with them, completely carefree; living for all their antics.

“Thanks for an awesome boat day, guys. You have no idea how much I needed this,” you said, feeling your nerves settle into a peaceful calm.

“Anytime, Y/N,” John B replied with a grin. “We’ve always got your back. Pogues for life remember”

You mirrored his grin, “Pogues for life”

Back at the Chateau, everyone gathered in the living room, munching on leftover pizza and catching up on each other's lives. Pope was anxious about his upcoming interview for a prestigious scholarship, sharing his worries with the group. It was always safe to say that Pope was the brains in the group. John B on the other hand, still living alone since his dad's disappearance ten months ago, talked about how he thought his dad was still out there and picking up on his research where he left off, as well as getting threatened multiple times to get thrown into foster care.

Kiara described her latest environmental conservation project, everyone playfully rolling their eyes, and she mentioned the numerous shifts she had to pick up at her father's restaurant. Her dad was similar to your parents, hated the Pogues- thinking they were bad influences- as well as being super hard on Kie.

JJ told us he had landed a new job at Pelican’s Nest, an up-tight Kook club where he waited tables and tried to avoid getting into fights with all the Kooks. As he spoke, you could sense his underlying frustration with the job, though he tried to play it off with his usual toughness.

The conversation and familiar banter between you and your friends provided a much-needed distraction from the pressure you were feeling inside. When they asked what was new in your life, you managed a casual response, explaining that you were stressed about the upcoming

Midsummer's event, the big Kook gathering of the year. You mentioned the annoyance and pressure of picking out a dress your parents put on you, all while pretending to enjoy yourself. You managed to keep your real concerns to yourself, not giving them away from any body language, knowing they'd flip out if they knew what happened with Rafe.

You checked your phone and saw missed texts from Sarah, asking how you were doing and how you were feeling after the party. Your heart quickened at seeing her text, somehow thinking if she already knew- maybe Rafe told Topper and Topper told her. God, you hope not. You quickly texted her back, saying, “Hey, I’m okay. Can you come over to my place in a bit? We need to talk.” She quickly texted you back telling you she’d be there soon. You knew this text would cause her to worry about you.

You turned to the Pogues, smiling despite the turmoil still lingering beneath the surface. “I’ve got to head home. My mom needs me back before dinner,” you lied, not ready to admit the real reason you needed to leave. “But I’ll be back tomorrow for some more shenanigans. I promise, okay. No random ghosting” All of them signed at this comment, but knowing how controlling your parents could be, always made the perfect excuse.

“Alright, don’t keep us waiting too long,” JJ said with a wink. You rolled your eyes, at his flirty gesture. JJ’s carefree attitude was something you always loved about him. He can be erratic and quick-tempered but would always take a bullet for his friends.

You said your goodbyes, hugging each of them tightly, promising not to ghost them again. JJ and Kie walked you out to your car reminding you again that they were there if you needed anything.

The drive home was filled with mixed emotions. You were grateful for the distraction but knew you had to face what happened with Rafe. You debated multiple times today if you should text him, but you were so lost on what to say.

Pulling into your driveway, you saw Sarah’s car already parked there. Guilt starting to eat at your stomach, knowing there was no turning back from telling her. How is your best friend going to react to your sleeping with her older brother? How would that make your conversation on Friday before the party sound, you previously vented to her about how Rafe only makes you feel bad but somehow at the party all of this changed. The complete situation was too much.

She met you at your front door, her face etched with concern. “What’s going on, Y/N?”

You led her inside, to the privacy of your room, the place where you always felt safest. “Sarah, I need to tell you something about last night.”

Her eyes widened slightly, a mix of curiosity and worry. “What is it?”

You took a deep breath, gathering the courage to speak. “I... I slept with Rafe.” You began burying your face in your pillows, not daring to see your best friend’s reaction.

Sarah’s expression shifted to one of shock and anger. “What? How the hell did that happen Y/N? Jesus Christ you slept with my fucking brother. After everything he’s done?”

“I know, I know, I know Sarah,” you said quickly, tears welling up in your eyes, on the verge of a panic attack. “It just happened. I don’t know how to explain it. It was unexpected, and I’m so confused about Sarah. It just happened” you began sobbing into your pillow, “I don’t know what to do Sarah” your voice slightly muffled

Sarah’s anger softened into understanding as she saw the distress on your face. She took a deep breath, calming herself, reaching her hand out to comfort you, “Okay, tell me everything.”

You recounted the events of the night, from the fight to the kiss to waking up in his bed. Sarah listened intently, her initial anger giving way to concern and empathy but confusion still evident on her face.

“I’m mad, Y/N, but I also get it. Rafe can be... different sometimes. I’ve seen it. But you have to be careful. He’s not exactly the safest bet.”

You nodded, relief washing over you as she spoke, not completely tearing you to shreds. “I know, and I’m not sure what to do next. But I couldn’t keep it from you and I just can’t tell the pogues for obvious reasons.”

Sarah hugged you tightly. “You both will figure it out, ok? It’ll stay between me and you. Just promise me you’ll be careful, Rafe can be unpredictable and the last thing I want is you getting hurt”

“I promise,” you whispered, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders.

Sarah sighed, pulling away slightly. “You know, I’ve noticed how he looks at you sometimes. It’s like he’s trying to figure something out, or maybe he’s just... drawn to you. It’s weird.”

You looked up from your tear-filled eyes, surprised. “You’ve noticed that?”

She nodded, smiling, “Yeah. It’s subtle, but it’s there. I always thought it was just him being his usual creepy self, but now...”

“But now?” you prompted.

She sighed again. “Now I’m not so sure. Look, this needs to stay between us, okay? Rafe’s got a lot of issues, and again I don’t want to see you get hurt. But if you think there’s something worth exploring, and if he makes you happy... I guess that’s what matters.”

You hugged her again, feeling a mixture of relief and trepidation. “Thanks, Sarah. I really needed to hear that.”

After a bit more talking, Sarah glanced at her phone, rolling her eyes at a text message she got. “I promised Topper I’d go to this house party with him. Are you going to be okay?”

You laughed and then sighed while rolling your eyes, knowing you’d be alone with your thoughts again, but understanding. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Topper would hate it if you weren’t there.”

You walked her out to her car, and she gave you one last, serious look., “Y/N” she paused and then continued, “Just... be careful with Rafe, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt and if he hurts you I'll beat his ass I swear to god.”

“I will,” you promised full honesty in your chest. You didn't want to get hurt either.

As Sarah’s car disappeared down the street, you took a moment to breathe in the evening air, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety. You hadn't been sure how Sarah would react to the news of you and Rafe, and her initial shock and anger had been expected. But It had gone better than expected, and for that, you were grateful. You knew it wasn’t easy for her to hear about her brother, especially given Rafe’s reputation and the history between your groups. Sarah’s words echoed in your mind: “Just be careful.” You knew she was right. The fact that she was willing to support you gave you a breath of fresh air.

—

Back inside, you took another shower to wash off the day. Putting on your favorite pajamas and grabbing your favorite snacks from your kitchen, you settled back on your bed, grabbed your TV remote, and settled with a rom-com, hoping it would distract you. Romcoms were usually a comfort item for you, but your mind kept drifting back to Rafe, and the conflicting emotions swirling inside you. Seeing the characters kiss and go on romantic dates only confused your mind, wondering if that could be you and Rafe.

It annoyed you how he was suddenly taking up so much space in your thoughts. You had always thought he was attractive ever since you’d known Sarah, but he was her off-limit older brother. It felt like such a forbidden crush, one you never allowed yourself to fully acknowledge or entertain because of how he acted.

Your mind wandered back to an older memory from a couple of summers ago. You and Sarah were at her pool, lounging and chatting about the latest drama at school. The sun was blazing, the water shimmering invitingly, and everything felt easy and carefree. That was until Rafe walked out with his friends, Topper and Kelce. They were loud and obnoxious as always, but your eyes were immediately drawn to Rafe. He was shirtless, and his toned, athletic body caught your breath for a moment. You swear you have never seen a man look so good.

But then, as if to remind you exactly why you kept your distance, he made one of his usual snarky comments. “Nice swimsuit, Y/N. Too bad that’s the only nice thing about you.” The words stung, and the momentary attraction you felt turned into irritation and anger. He had this way of ruining things with his cutting remarks, making sure you never got too close.

You remembered how Sarah had rolled her eyes and muttered an apology on his behalf, but the damage was done. The butterflies you felt were squashed under the weight of his arrogance. It was moments like those that solidified your belief that nothing could ever happen between you two. He was a jerk, plain and simple, and any attraction you felt was overshadowed by his cruel behavior.

Yet now, as you lay in bed, those memories mixed with the recent, softer moments you’d shared with him. It was confusing to reconcile the Rafe who had hurt you with words and the Rafe who had held you tenderly, whispering sweet things in your ear. It felt like he was two different people, and you didn’t know which version was real.

As you tried to focus on the movie, your thoughts kept drifting back to him. You couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if things were different. If he wasn’t Sarah’s brother, if he wasn’t such an asshole sometimes, could there be something real between you?

The conflicting emotions swirled inside you, making it hard to focus on anything else. You sighed, frustrated with yourself for even entertaining the idea. But no matter how much you tried to push the thoughts away, they kept coming back, stronger and more persistent.

You had always been careful to keep your feelings in check, to not let your crush on Rafe become anything more. But now, after everything that had happened, it was getting harder and harder to deny. The way he looked at you, the way he touched you, it all felt so different, so real.

With a groan, you turned off the TV, unable to concentrate on the movie any longer. The rom-com only makes you more frustrated, no longer an escape. You lay back on your bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to make sense of your tangled emotions. You knew you had to talk to Rafe, to figure out what this all meant. But the thought of confronting him, of possibly getting hurt again, made your heart race with anxiety.

Maybe Sarah was right. Maybe you did need to be careful. But you couldn’t deny the pull you felt towards Rafe, no matter how much you tried. It was confusing and scary, but you knew you had to face it, to see where it might lead. Maybe that's why you pushed him away this morning, you were scared of getting hurt deep down, even though the boy was confessing his heart out. Your cat, Butters, a fluffy orange tabby with big green eyes, jumped up on your bed, sensing your distress. He purred close to you, his warm body a comforting presence against your side. Butters always seemed to know when you needed him the most, his purring a soothing balm to your frazzled nerves.

Your eyes started to feel heavy, and the magnitude of the day started to weigh on you. As you lay there, you could feel your body relaxing, the tension slowly melting away. Your thoughts began to blur and fade, replaced by a serene drowsiness. With Butters nestled beside you, his purring like a gentle, reassuring heartbeat, you allowed yourself to sink into the embrace of sleep. Your eyelids fluttered shut, and you let out a final, contented sigh. The last thing you remembered was the comforting warmth of Butters and the gentle glow of the salt lamp before you drifted off into a deep, peaceful slumber.

—

A bit later in the night, you heard taps on your window, stirring you out of your sleep. Butters also perked up in defense. Your heart raced as you got up to investigate, knowing it was probably not smart or safe for you to. Pulling back the curtain, you saw Rafe standing there, his soft features illuminated by the streetlight in front of your house. You quickly opened the window, anger and confusion bubbling up at his reckless actions.

You whisper-yelled at him, not daring to wake your parents, “What the fuck are you doing here, Rafe? And why are you tapping on my window like a total creep? My parents could’ve called the police on you!”

“I needed to see you,” he said, his voice earnest. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about last night.”

You rolled your eyes at him, secretly excited to see him, moving over so he could climb in through your window.

You stared at him, your emotions in turmoil. “You can’t just show up here like this, Rafe. You should’ve texted me. What do you even want?”

As Rafe climbed through your window, making a slight thump as he made his way in, he stood in your room looking more vulnerable than you’d ever seen him. The moonlight streaming through the window cast a soft glow on his face, highlighting the uncertainty in his eyes and the slight tremor in his hands.

“I don’t know, okay? I just... I can’t stop thinking about you.” he confessed, his voice raw and filled with a mixture of confusion and determination. His eyes, usually so guarded, now revealed a depth of feeling that he rarely allowed anyone to see. There was a certain restlessness in his stance, a fidgeting with his hands that betrayed his inner turmoil.

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit you had noticed he did when he was unsure of himself. His breathing was slightly uneven as if the weight of his feelings was almost too much to bear. It was clear that he had been wrestling with these emotions for a while, trying to make sense of them and find the courage to express them to you.

Rafe took a hesitant step closer, his eyes never leaving yours. “I know this is complicated, and it’s risky... but I don’t care. I just want to be with you, even if it means sneaking around and keeping it a secret.”

You took a step back, trying to process his words, actively stressing over the fact that he showed up at your house. “Rafe, this is crazy. You hated me less than two days ago, and now you’re crawling through my window.”

He stared at you, at a loss for words. He knew the change in his behavior was a lot for you to process, but he was determined to show you a different side of him.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you looked into his eyes, feeling the pull between you. “Rafe, this is complicated. I don’t know if I can do this.”

He reached out, gently cupping your face. “I know it’s complicated. But I don’t care. I want to figure this out with you.”

You took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on you. “But what about everyone else? The Pogues, your family, my friends… they’re all going to freak out if they find out about this. They’ll never understand.”

You looked down, feeling tears well up in your eyes. “I’m scared, Rafe. I’m scared of getting hurt, of hurting others. What if this doesn’t work out? What if we’re just fooling ourselves?”

He lifted your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze, wiping the tears that escaped from your eyes. “I get it. I’m scared too. But I’ve never felt like this about anyone before. I’m tapping on your window in the middle of the night, Y/N, goddamnit.” He paused, lowering his voice to make sure his words came out correctly. “When I’m with you, it’s different, Y/N. I feel things I’ve never felt before.”

You felt a wave of emotions crash over you, the fear, excitement, and hope all mingling together. “I just… I need to know that you’re serious about this. About us.”

Before Rafe could respond, you both heard footsteps approaching your room. Panic surged through you as you quickly gestured for Rafe to hide in your closet. He barely managed to conceal himself before your mom knocked on the door, opening the door to you sitting on the edge of the bed, your face flush.

“Y/N, is everything okay in there?” she asked, her voice filled with concern. “I heard some noise.”

You took a deep breath, trying to steady your voice. Cursing yourself that you didn’t lock your door, “Yeah, Mom, everything’s fine. I just had a weird dream and Butters knocked something over. Sorry if I woke you and Dad up”

Your mom hesitated for a moment, scanning around your room for any sign of trouble. Her eyes landed on the open window, raising an eyebrow. “Why is your window open?” Your heart dropped, remembering you left it open.

You quickly responded, smiling, “It was just hot in here, and Butters likes to sit by the window. I’ll close it now.”

She gave you a disapproving look. “You shouldn’t leave the window open at night, Y/N. It’s not safe. Get some rest, honey, you have to go dress shopping tomorrow. Love you lots.”

“Yup, thanks, Mom. I love you too, Goodnight,” you said, waiting until her footsteps retreated down the hallway before letting out a sigh of relief.

Rafe emerged from the closet, a sheepish grin on his face. “That was close.”

You couldn’t help but laugh softly, the tension momentarily easing. “Yeah, it was. My mom is like a hawk sometimes, she has crazy hearing.”

Rafe chuckled again before his expression turned more serious as he stepped closer to you. “Look, I know this is a lot. And I know I’ve been a jerk in the past, and I will always be sorry for that, I can’t take back that hurt. But I’m serious about this, Y/N. I want to try, even if it’s complicated.”

You looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. “Okay. But we need to take this slow, Rafe. We need to figure things out together, and we can’t let anyone else know for now.”

Rafe nodded in understanding. “I get it. Let’s not talk here though, in case we wake your parents. I know a place we can go.” You hesitated, not sure if you should sneak out.

“Okay,” you said, surprising yourself with how simply you agreed. He had a presence about him that just made you feel so comfortable.

You told him you just needed to change really quickly. Slipping into your bathroom, you opted for simple leggings and a t-shirt, quickly putting on some mascara, letting down your hair, and spraying on your favorite perfume. When you exited the bathroom, he was sitting on your bed, Butters cuddled up by his side, melting your heart. You were surprised Butters accepted him so fast; usually, she didn’t like many people. Maybe it was a sign.

When he heard you shut the bathroom door, he looked up at you, a small smile forming on his face as he took in your beauty. Heat rose to your cheeks, and you looked down sheepishly, telling him you were ready to go.

You both sneakily and quietly crept out your window, him helping you a little bit by grabbing your hand, causing your heart to skip at his warm touch. You made sure to leave your window open just a little bit for when you snuck back in. You had to be careful; some parts of the sides of your house lit up due to motion light cameras. You also had very noisy

neighbors who loved to gossip with your mom daily, you would never hear the end of it if she caught what you were up to.

Once past all the obnoxious obstacles, you made your way to Rafe's truck, which was parked just a little bit down the street. You were happy it was dark out, concealing the identity of both you and Rafe, just in case of any prying eyes.

Rafe once again opened the passenger door for you, waiting for you to get in before gently shutting it. Your heart warmed at his sweet gesture. You couldn’t help but keep your eyes on Rafe as he made his way to the driver’s side of the truck. There was something about him that you never noticed before; you don’t think you've ever seen Rafe's face in so much detail.

In the soft moonlight, his features seemed even more striking. His jawline was strong and defined, giving him a chiseled, almost classic handsomeness. His hair, slightly tousled, framed his face perfectly. But it was his eyes that truly captivated you. They were a deep, mesmerizing shade of blue, like the ocean just before a storm. There was the same intensity in them that you felt Friday night, a mix of vulnerability and determination that made it hard to look away.

You noticed the small, almost invisible freckles scattered across the bridge of his nose and the way his lips curved into a genuine smile when he looked at you. His smile reached his eyes, crinkling them at the corners, adding a warmth that contrasted with his usual rugged appearance.

As he climbed into the truck and started the engine, you couldn’t help but think about how handsome he was. There was a depth to his features, a blend of softness and strength that made your heart race. And those eyes—they seemed to see right through you, making you feel both exposed and understood in a way you hadn't felt before. They made you feel like you could never hide anything from them, even if you tried

Rafe glanced over at you, catching you staring. “Everything okay?” he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

You quickly looked away, embarrassed, a shade of pink rushing to your cheeks.

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” Thankfully, it was dark enough that he couldn’t see the full effect he was having on you.

He chuckled softly as he drove, the sound low and comforting. “Good,” he said, his eyes briefly meeting yours again, making your heart skip a beat.

The car ride settled into a comfortable silence. You kept sneaking glances at him, taking in his features, not sure if you could ever get enough. His focused expression as he drove, the way his fingers gripped the steering wheel, and the occasional sideways glance he gave you—all of it made you feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.

After a short drive, you pulled up to a cute little ice cream shop. The neon red signs on top highlighted the shop's name, and a few neon signs in the window, one saying “Open,” cast a warm, inviting glow. Despite living in the Outer Banks for years, you realized you had never been inside this place.

Rafe parked the truck and quickly came around to open your door again. “I thought ice cream sounded good,” he said sheepishly, a small smile playing on his lips.

You couldn’t help but smile back. “It sounds perfect.”

He guided you inside, and the shop was just as charming as it looked from the outside. Only two other customers were there, an elderly couple sitting in the corner, sharing some ice cream. The sight warmed your heart, and you couldn’t help but hope that you might have something like that in your future.

You looked at all the ice cream cases, feeling not only indecisive due to the variety of choices but also because of the man standing next to you. The fact that he was taking you to get ice cream felt surreal in a way.

He interrupted you out of your thoughts, “So, what are you thinking?” Rafe asked, his eyes twinkling as he watched you deliberate.

“There are so many options,” you said, laughing softly. “What do you recommend?”

He leaned in slightly, scanning the flavors with you, his arm going to the small of your back making your heart jump. “I usually go for mint chocolate chips or cookies and cream. But honestly, everything here is good.”

You finally decided on cookies and cream, and Rafe placed the order, paying for both of you despite your protests. It was another small gesture that made your heart flutter, only making it harder for you to deny your feelings for him.

“Thank you for this,” you said softly, taking a bite of your ice cream. The flavors melted in your mouth, swearing it was the best ice cream you've ever tasted.

After finishing your ice cream, Rafe suggested taking a walk along the pier. The night air was cool, and the soft sounds of the waves crashing against the shore added to the serene atmosphere. As you strolled together, the conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on everything and nothing in particular. Through these moments, you learned more about Rafe. He confided in you that he often comes out here to clear his head when he needs to escape.

Rafe began to open up about his relationship with his dad, revealing that his father is very hard on him and doesn't listen to him much. This was something you were somewhat aware of from your time at the Cameron residence. However, you never fully grasped the depth of their issues or the impact they could have on Rafe. Whenever you and Sarah talked about it, she would casually brush it off. Sarah's dad always showed love and affection towards her and Wheezie, but he seemed to have a different, much harsher approach with Rafe- that was something you couldn’t even deny.

Your heart pangs at his words, feeling helpless for his dad's impossibly high standards and the lack of emotional support Rafe had in his life. Making it evident his father contributed heavily to Rafe's inner turmoil and confident persona he always tried to display, even due to his inner low self-esteem.

You took a deep breath and shared, "I'm sorry Rafe you don't deserve that.” You paused for a moment, then continued, “My parents put a lot of pressure on me too. They have these expectations for me to act a certain way, hang out with the 'right' people, and excel academically. They want me to be at the top of my class and have my future all planned out. But half the time I just don’t know what the fuck I'm doing you know.”

Rafe nodded, his expression softening as he listened. “I get that. It's like no matter what you do, it's never enough for them."

“Exactly,” you said, it was like a breath of fresh air, having someone feel the exact way you felt.

You walked along the pier a little bit more, the mood shifting as the subject changed to something more light-hearted.

Rafe’s perfect smile and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed made you feel at ease, and you couldn’t help but be drawn to him more and more. As you continued to walk, you couldn't help but wrap your arms around yourself to keep yourself warm, the cold draft of the night flowing through the wind.

Rafe took immediate notice of this, taking off his gray hoodie, revealing a simple t-shirt underneath, offering it to you.

“Here, take my hoodie, it’s getting cold” he insisted, his voice gentle yet firm.

“No, I’m okay,” you insisted, though you were visibly shivering, cursing yourself for not wearing something heavier, knowing that the Outer Banks gets cold at night.

You couldn’t help but smile at his insistence as you pulled the hoodie over your head, savoring the warmth and the faint scent of him that clung to the fabric, bringing your mind back to memories of his room.

As you reached the end of the pier, Rafe suddenly scooped you up, causing you to squeal in surprise and curse at the sudden movement. You playfully hit his chest, telling him to set you down, laughing as he gently set you on the rail of the pier, standing between your legs and holding you steadily, making sure you didn’t fall.

Your heart raced as he held you, the warmth of his hands on your waist grounding you. The moment felt surreal, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside you. You were very aware of his closeness, the way his breath mingled with yours in the cool night air, and the protective way he made sure you were safe.

“I’m serious, Y/N,” he said, his voice soft but earnest. “I want to try with you. Give me a chance.” His words hung in the air, and you could see the sincerity in his eyes.

Your heart swelled with emotion at his confession. The rawness in his voice, the openness in his gaze—it all made you realize how much this meant to him, there was no lie behind his face. You both knew the complications that lay ahead, the secrets you would have to keep. The thought of having to hide this from everyone, especially the Pogues, weighed heavily on your mind. Yet, at this moment, none of that seemed to matter. The only thing that did was the way Rafe looked at you, his eyes full of determination and sincerity.

Leaning in, you closed the distance between you and Rafe, your lips meeting in a tender kiss. Rafe brings his right hand to the back of your neck, deepening the kiss. The air around you seemed to be still, the soft sounds of the waves merging with the quiet rustling of the night breeze through the pier's wooden planks. Above, the stars twinkled in a vast dark sky along with the bright moonlight, illuminating the scene below it.

Rafe’s lips were warm against yours, his touch both cold and gentle, yet undeniably sure. It sent shivers down your spine and raised goosebumps on your arms, intensifying the sensation of his closeness. It was a kiss that felt like a beginning, a promise of something deeper and more meaningful between you both. As you melted into each other, the world around you faded into the background, leaving only the sensation of his closeness and the beat of your racing heart.

At that moment, all your doubts and uncertainties seemed to melt away. The kiss was more than amazing—it was transformative. It showed you a different side of Rafe, one that was caring and vulnerable, he had opened up to you in a way you hadn’t expected.

After the kiss, you both stood there for a moment, breathless and lost in each other's eyes. Eventually, Rafe broke the silence with a gentle smile, his hand still resting on your neck.

"Come on," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's get you home."

—

Rafe slowly pulled back into your neighborhood, his truck coming to a halt. Feeling sleep wanting to overtake you, but adrenaline keeping you up, this new feeling with Rafe was electrifying. Rafe turned his truck off, creating defying silence between you, no longer the quiet hum of the engine allowing for both of you to process what just happened.

"You know," Rafe finally spoke, breaking the silence as he glanced at you briefly, "I meant what I said back there. I want to try, Y/N. With you."

His sincerity warmed your heart, and you smiled softly. "I want to try too, Rafe. I'm serious.”

A small smile played on his lips as he leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair away from your face, taking in your features. "Good," he murmured, his breath warm against your cheek. "Because I really like you, Y/N."

Your heart skipped a beat at his confession, warmth spreading through you, for the first time feeling confident in your answer. "I really like you too, Rafe."

The moment hung between you, filled with unspoken promises and the quiet assurance that despite the confusing road of the head, you both had deep feelings for one another. Rafe leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your lips before pulling away, signaling it was the end of your night together

"Goodnight, Y/N," he said softly, his voice carrying a mix of fondness and reluctance.

"Goodnight, Rafe, thank you for tonight,” you replied, pulling away from his touch and letting yourself out of his truck, watching him as he drove away into the night, sneaking your way back into your room.

—

The house was quiet, everyone else already asleep, oblivious to the evening you had just experienced. Closing your window softly behind you, you leaned against it, replaying every moment with Rafe in your mind, your smile still dancing on your lips.

Setting his hoodie gently on your desk chair, you couldn't help but smile as you caught a whiff of his cologne still lingering on the fabric. It was a comforting reminder of the night, of Rafe's warmth, and the stolen moments you shared. The scent was intoxicating, a mix of his favorite cologne and the sea breeze from your walk along the pier. You made a silent promise to yourself not to wash it anytime soon, wanting to preserve that connection just a little longer.

Climbing into bed, you felt a new sense of relief and thrill wash over you. The sheets were cool against your skin, but your heart was warm with the memory of Rafe’s touch. Despite the need for the secrecy that lay ahead, having to keep this from your closest friends, the thought of stolen kisses and secret hangouts with Rafe made your skin jump; tonight was just a little taste. You imagined the thrill of sneaking around, the excitement of quick, whispered conversations and stolen glances when no one was looking. The risk suddenly felt worth taking.

You were unsure if you even would want to tell your parents about Rafe, you knew they'd be questioning your sudden giddiness. Even though you were always out doing something with friends, it would be weird for them to see you coming home extra late, always texting on your phone. But you guess you'll get there when it happens, knowing you'd have to throw in a couple of white lies here and there.

As you snuggled under the covers, hugging your pillow, a giddy excitement bubbled up inside you. The nervous energy from earlier was now accompanied by a comforting warmth, similar to the feeling you get when you know Christmas is coming; the anticipation of what's to come made you feel more excited than ever. Your mind couldn’t help but wander to the way Rafe’s eyes had softened when he looked at you, the sincerity in his voice when he confessed his feelings and the gentle yet firm touch of his hand on your neck. You wondered who else had seen this side of Rafe, knowing it was rare. Has Topper or Kelce ever witnessed this caring, soft-spoken, vulnerable side of him? Did his family ever see it? Have any other girls experienced Rafe this way? The usual outward persona of Rafe was always blocked off and cold, making it seem crazy that you were getting to see something more, something everyone wondered if Rafe even had in him. Your mind continued to race with a million thoughts, all of them not seeming to have a definite answer.

As you eventually drifted off to sleep, a smile still sat on your lips. Tonight had been the beginning, a taste of the hidden affection and shared secrets with Rafe.

--——----------————- ❥・------------------------

Chapter 3

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