The house was quiet in that early morning way. Somewhere, a kettle clicked off. A few girls had gathered in the kitchen, bare-faced and wrapped in hoodies, passing around a fruit bowl and trading theories about this week’s date cards. In the living room, someone had already claimed the coziest corner of the couch, knees tucked under a throw blanket, eyes flicking to the front door every few minutes – just in case.
Daniella sat cross-legged on the main couch, wrapped in cardigan and drinking her coffee. She flipped through a magazine, not really reading it. Next to her was Alyssa, she had her knees pulled to her chest, hair up in a claw and a hoodie.
Kayla was perched on the windowsill with her legs stretched out. She was watching the driveaway like something exciting might roll in it if she stared long enough.
Y/N leaned against the arm of the couch between Daniella and Alyssa, one leg over the other, a soft oversized sweater slipping slightly off one shoulder. She held a mug of tea.
“Okay,” Daniella said suddenly, tossing the magazine onto the coffee table, “someone tell me he has a flaw. Just one. Anything. I’ll take crooked teeth. Weird laugh. Something.”
“Please,” Y/N muttered. “The man walked out of a painting. He’s probably good with animals and children too. Just to spite us.”
“He probably supports local shops,” Alyssa added.
“I bet he’s a bad texter,” Kayla offered. ”Hot people are usually terrible at texting.”
“He probably types full sentences and uses punctuation,” Daniella said, voice light. A ripple of laughter.
“I can’t lie” Daniella said after a beat, tucking her feet beneath her. “That group date felt like it was weeks ago.”
“It was five days,” Y/N deadpanned.
“Exactly.”
The girls chuckled. From the kitchen, footsteps padded across the hardwood, and a few girls more trickled in. Sierra, Naomi, Zara and Lana wandered through.
“Is this like the unofficial group therapy circle?” Sierra asked, eyebrow raised.
“More like group denial,” Alyssa replied, gesturing at the couch. “Take a seat.”
Selene and Kelsey appeared next. “There is a weird energy today,” Kelsey said as she flopped into a nearby chair. “Like we’re all waiting for something.”
“Because we are,” Zara muttered. “There’s a date card coming, you just know it.”
Y/N tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze flicking toward the hallway, then back to the group. There was a kind of comfort in this, the shared waiting, the lowkey panic woven between the jokes.
“Okay, real question,” Alyssa said, glancing around from her seat on the couch. “Is anyone actually feeling good about where they stand with him?”
Selene exhaled, stretching her legs out. “I mean… I think? We talked at the last cocktail party, and it felt easy. But also, like, he is talking to everyone. So who even knows.”
“I get that,” Lana said. “I had a good moment with him on the group date, but I haven’t had anything since. I keep thinking… what if that was it?”
Kelsey shook her head. “It is weird, right? One second you feel confident, the next you’re spiralling because he laughed at someone else’s joke.”
“That’s because we’re all trapped in a romantic Hunger Games,” Alyssa muttered.
They all laughed.
Confessional – Y/N
“I am really hoping to see him today.” She said, her voice softer, thoughtful. “Last week.. it just felt easy. There is something about him, this calm, like I can actually breath when I am around him.”
“I miss my pillow,” Vanessa said suddenly. “My actually memory-foam, perfectly broken-in pillow. Not this polyester nonsense they gave us.”
Brianna groaned in solidarity. “Yes. I swear the one in my room feels like it was stuffed with peanuts.”
Daisy spoke up. “I miss my dog. Like.. my whole chest kind of aches for her.”
Madina nodded sympathetically, “What kind?”
“She is a rescue golden retriever. She does this thing where she presses her face against mine when I’m sad. I don’t even know if she remembers me right now.”
“She does. They always do.”
“I left one of my sweatshirts with her,” Daisy murmured. “For the scent. It was either that or cry into her fur for six hours before I left.”
A laugh bubbled up between them.
“God,” Vanessa said, “We are officially the most unhinged girl group in Bachelor history. Missing dogs and foam pillows like we’re stranded in the woods.”
“You mean we’re not?” Brianna said dryly.
“Feels like it.” Madina murmured, making them all laugh.
Confessional – Madina
“Being here... you miss a lot of things. Your bed, your people, your routines. But you also start realizing how much energy you’re spending trying to be seen.”
“And yeah, last week at the cocktail party.. I got interrupted mid-sentence.” She gave a short breath of a laugh, no heat behind it. “I get it. Everyone wants time. Everyone’s trying to make something happen.”
“But there is a difference between showing up for yourself and stepping over someone else to get ahead. And I think, at some point, that difference matters.”
Across the room, Zoe and Britt had tucked themselves into a quiet corner where the low hum of the other girls voices faded into background noise.
Zoe curled her legs beneath her, glancing over at the group by the kitchen. “Do you ever feel like we’re extras in someone else’s love story?”
Britt lets out a dry laugh. “You’re definitely not.”
“You think some are playing a game?” Zoe tilted her head.
“I think everyone is, in their own way,” Britt said. “Some of us just haven’t figured out our strategy yet.”
They fell quiet for a beat as laughter bubbled up from across the room. The mood in the corner didn’t shift dramatically, but there was something unspoken sitting between them.
Zoe let out a small sigh. “Honestly I’d rake one real conversation at this point. Just enough time to feel like I exist in his world.”
Britt didn’t say anything right away. Then, with a quiet shrug: “Yeah. Same.”
The front door opened like a cue and every head turned. Jesse Palmer walked in, relaxed and polished in a blazer and dark jeans, holding a crisp white envelope.
“Good morning, ladies.”
The room chorused back: “Morning, Jesse.”
“Everybody feeling good?”
A wave of yeahs, mhmms and polite smiles passed through.
He nodded, stepping closer to the center of the room. “Well, congrats, you’re the nineteen women who made it through last week. Which means you’re the women, Rafe really sees something with. A future. So let’s keep things moving, shall we?”
He held up the envelope. “This week there are going to be two fun group dates.. and one very romantic one-on-one.”
Jesse smiled and set the envelope down on the coffee table. “Here’s your first group date card.”
He looked around the room. “Best of luck, and I hope to see you all, later this week. Have fun.”
He waved once and disappeared just as quickly as he arrived. And the room? Instantly on fire.
Silence lingered for half a beat. Then Daniella nudged Lana with her foot. “You’re the closest. Go.”
Lana raised an eyebrow but reached for the envelope, flipping it open with a small smirk. Her voice dipped low for the drama.
“Madina, Maya, Alyssa…”
A pause.
“Zoe, Daisy, Brianna ...”
Y/N felt her breath catch.
“Vanessa, Kayla..”
Another pause.
“And me.”
A moment of silence stretched in the air like static before it all dissolved into a chorus of oh my gods and scattered claps.
Y/N didn’t say anything at first. That flicker of disappointment that rolled through her before she could stop it. That subtle, sinking feeling of being left out, edged in doubt she didn’t want to give voice to. Across the room, Daniella’s eyes met hers, the same shared sting of being left out but she didn’t need to say anything. They both knew. But they didn’t let it linger.
Still, Y/N reached across and squeezed Alyssa’s hand with a quiet smile. “You’re gonna crush it.”
Daniella bumped Kayla’s shoulder gently. “Okay, okay. Try not to outshine the whole planet, please.”
Kayla grinned. “No promises.”
Lana turned the card over. “There’s a quote,” she said, then read aloud:
“Looking for my Mrs. Right. – Love Rafe”
Daniella bumped Kayla with her elbow. “No pressure or anything.”
Kayla smirked. “Just casually planning my wedding with a man I’ve spoken to for maybe forty minutes total.”
The room buzzed with nervous laughter and a growing swirl of speculation. A few of the girls exchanged glances excited, maybe a little terrified as they realized this wasn’t going to be just another group hang. It was going to be something bigger.
As the girls began drifting off to get ready, voices lifting with questions and guesses about the date, a producer’s voice called from the hallway, “Ladies, please head to the styling room!”
Back in the living room, those who remained sat quieter now, each retreating to their thoughts, some hopeful, some restless.
And Y/N, stared at the closed door a second longer. Soft smile, but quieter now. Because in the silence after the laughter, the doubt crept in. She thought things had gone well with Rafe. Thought the group date rose, their conversation, that kiss, all of it, had meant something.
But now her name hadn’t been on the card. And maybe that was fine. Maybe it was just how the show worked. Still, it was hard not to feel the little sting of being overlooked. Even harder to stop the spiral of wondering why.
The SUV with nine girls all dressed in white rolled to a stop in front of a coastal estate, where white roses lined the walkaway and a string quartet played softly in the distance. The girls stepped out one by one, their white dresses catching the sun.
Laughter bubbled from a nearby tent, where a faux reception had already been staged up. White linens draped long tables, champagne flutes sparkled and strangers, dressed as wedding guests, turned in their seats, ready to welcome the nine brides.
“Okay, this is crazy,” Maya whispered, wide-eyed as she took in the scene. “Like… are we actually fake marrying him?”
Rafe stood near the center of the setup in a crisp navy suit, boutonnière pinned, a grin tugging at his mouth as each woman approached.
“Ladies,” he called, voice warm and playful, “you ready to get married?”
A mix of nervous laughter and dramatic gasps followed, heels clicking against stone as the women made their way toward the fantasy waiting for them.
“I wonder if they’ve started already,” Naomi murmured, arms crossed over her chest.
“They left like an hour ago.” Kelsey replied from the kitchen barstool. “So yeah, probably mid-chaos by now.”
Sierra, curled up in the chair across from Y/N, gave a soft sigh. “Honestly? I kind of wish I was there. Even if it’s awkward. At least then you’re part of the storyline.”
Across the room, Zara was picking at the cuff of her sweater. Her expression was tight. Too still.
“Z?” Leila said gently, her voice soft from the armchair beside her.
Zara didn’t answer right away. Then, suddenly, she stood up. “I need air,” she muttered, already heading for the back door.
“Zara-” Naomi started, half-rising.
“I’m fine,” Zara insisted, though her voice wobbled just slightly. “Just… give me a sec.”
The door clicked closed behind her.
Silence hung thick in her absence.
“She’s been off all morning,” Kelsey said quietly.
Britt crossed one leg over the other, her voice cool. “Maybe this just isn’t for her. If watching other girls play pretend bride is enough to break you, that’s kind of telling.”
Selene looked over. “Bit harsh.”
Britt shrugged. “It’s the truth. No one’s entitled to a rose or a breakdown.”
Y/N looked up from her mug. “You know there’s a way to be honest without being an asshole.”
“I’m not being an asshole,” Britt said flatly. “Just realistic.”
“Realistic doesn’t mean cruel.”
“Oh, come on,” Britt scoffed. “She walked out like someone died. We’ve all been overlooked by now, it’s part of the deal.”
“Yeah,” Y/N said, voice sharper now, “and we don’t all turn around and use that to drag someone else down. There’s a difference.”
Britt’s brows lifted. “Why are you even pressed? This doesn’t have anything to do with you.”
“It does when you talk like you get to decide how people are allowed to feel.”
Britt opened her mouth, but Daniella cut in quietly, “Maybe dial it back before you sound even more heartless.”
No one laughed. Even the background music had stopped or maybe it just felt that way?
Y/N stood up. “I’ll be back.”
No one stopped her.
Y/N found Zara in the far corner of the backyard. “Mind if I sit?” Y/N asked, voice low.
Zara nodded her head. Y/N sat beside her. For a while, they just sat like that.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” Zara finally said, voice low. “Everyone else seems to be floating through this. I’m… stuck in my own head.”
Y/N didn’t push, just waited.
“I keep overthinking everything. What I said, how I looked, whether I’m doing too much or not enough. And every time I think I’ve found my footing, I lose it again.” She let out a shaky breath. “It’s exhausting.”
Y/N glanced over. “That sounds… really hard.”
Zara gave a small laugh, but there wasn’t much humor in it. “I keep wondering what Rafe sees when he looks at me. Or if he sees me at all. Like, what if I’m just background noise in someone else’s love story?”
Y/N’s heart pulled. She reached over, gently brushing Zara’s arm. “Hey. You’re not background to anyone.”
Zara looked down at her hands. “It just feels like I’m falling behind. Like I should be more confident, more open, more sure. But I’m not. And then I wonder if that means I’m not cut out for this.”
“You’re human,” Y/N said softly. “And you’re allowed to have doubts. You’re allowed to feel all of this.”
Zara’s eyes shimmered, but she blinked quickly. “I just hate how small I’ve started to feel. Like I’m shrinking inside myself.”
Y/N leaned her shoulder gently into hers. “You’re not small, Zara. You’re brave. Brave enough to admit you’re struggling instead of pretending you’re not.”
Zara gave a quiet exhale, like something inside her had loosened just a little. “Thanks,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.
Y/N offered a soft smile. “Anytime.”
And they sat there, not trying to fix anything just letting the quiet stretch out around them, holding space for whatever came next.
Back at the group date there had been equal parts surreal and theatrical. Each woman had walked down an aisle. Toasts were made, mock guests were charmed and champagne glasses were raised in pretend celebration. Rafe moved through it all with warmth and ease, lifting veils and playing the part of groom more convincingly than some had expected.
The final moment came with the “first dance” reserved for just one. Daisy.
She made the fake wedding feel, somehow, honest. When her name was called, she looked stunned, cheeks flushing pink as soft music cued up and Rafe offered his hand.
The rest of the girls watched from the sidelines, as the bride and groom swayed slowly under the fairy lights.
Confessional – Rafe
“Today was really fun. Kind of surreal. Watching them give speeches, laugh with the guests. I saw different sides of them today.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Everyone was piled into the living room, scattered across the couches.
“They’re taking so long on the group date,” Sierra muttered, pulling a blanket tighter around her. “I wonder what they’re up to.”
“Probably fake-cutting a wedding cake,” Selene said dryly, earning a few half-smiles.
Leila yawned, “Feels like they’ve been gone forever.”
Daniella sat on the floor with her back to the couch, hair piled on top of her head in a lopsided bun. She didn’t say anything, just tapped her fingers against her knee, like she was waiting for something.
Confessional — Daniella
“It’s getting pretty late and we’ve been sitting around all day, and as much fun as I’ve had, like in the back of my mind I’m thinking, when’s the next date card coming?” She shrugged, smiling faintly. “So I’m hoping it’s tonight.”
Knock. Knock
Half the room jumped.
“Oh my God,” Leila said, clutching her chest. “That scared me.”
Naomi walked to the door and cracked it open, glanced outside then turned back, holding a single white envelope.
Confessional – Britt
“There’s a one-on-one and a group date. We don’t know what order they’re coming in,” she said, arms crossed, tone light but clipped. “But I hope it’s a one-on-one with my name on it.”
“Let’s see,” Naomi said, sliding a finger under the seal of the envelope.
She cleared her throat, reading aloud:
“Let’s chase the rush – together, love Rafe”
A beat. Just long enough for every girl in the room to brace.
Then:
“Y/N”
Silence cracked wide open.
Y/N blinked, lips parting slightly, as if the words took a second longer to land. Her heart stuttered. She exhaled like she’d been holding her breath for hours. “Oh my god…”
The room shifted around, soft claps, a few cheers, Daniella was already turning toward her with a grin, grabbing her hand, Selene giving an encouraging nod, Naomi reaching out to squeeze her knee and Zara giving her a warm, quiet smile.
She laughed small, breathy and almost shaky. “I’m really happy,” she admitted, half-laughing again. “Also maybe slightly spiralling, but like… the good kind?”
Confessional – Y/N
She was glowing.
“I’m excited. I really am. But also nervous in, like… a full body kind of way?” She laughed again, covering her face for a second. “First date nerves. You know?”
Back on the group date, all nine women were gathered around him on a couch, fire pit flickering softly in the middle. The atmosphere had settled into something quieter now, something more expectant.
Rafe looked around at each of them, hands resting loosely in his lap.
“So… how’s everyone feeling?” he asked, voice warm.
There were murmurs “Good”, “Really good”, “Amazing” followed by a round of soft laughs and nods.
He smiled, letting the energy breathe for a moment before continuing.
“Well, I feel like all of you leaned into what today was. You had fun with it, and it meant a lot to see that. And the conversations tonight too I felt the same way. I just think you’re all doing such an amazing job being here and opening up.”
As he leaned forward slightly, his hand reached for the rose resting beside him. The movement alone shifted the air, subtle but felt.
A soft swell of suspenseful music built underneath.
“I really wanted to be intentional tonight,” he said, voice lower now, more grounded. “Let each of you know how much I appreciated today, the energy, the effort, the honesty. And I know there’s only one rose, but what this really means to me is someone being real. Showing their heart through all this craziness. Trusting the process… and me.”
He looked up, eyes scanning the circle.
“With that being said…”
A beat.
“Maya.”
Her name landed gently, but firmly.
Maya’s breath caught as she looked up, eyes wide.
Rafe smiled. “Will you accept this rose?”
She blinked once, then nodded, her voice soft: “Yes.”
As he handed it to her, a few of the women clapped lightly.
Maya took her seat again, rose resting delicately in her lap.
Rafe stood then, brushing his hands along his jeans.
“Thank you all again. For today and for tonight. I’ll see you soon.”
He moved slowly, giving each woman a quick hug on his way out, a quiet word or a small smile, something personal.
THE NEXT MORNING
In the quiet vanity space just off the bedrooms, soft golden light filtered through the curtains, warming the cool tile floor.
Y/N slipped into a soft white two-piece set. Light, summery and just the right amount of flirty. The top had an open back that showed just enough skin to feel romantic. The matching skirt sat perfectly around her waist, flowing gently with every step.
Behind her, Daniella appeared in the mirror’s reflection. “You look like an angel. He’s not gonna know what hit him.”
Y/N turned toward the mirror again, pressing her lips together, then swiping on a warm-toned gloss. “I just want it to feel like… me. Not like I’m trying too hard. Not like I’m pretending.”
Daniella smiled. “Then it will.”
She opened the front door slowly. Rafe was already halfway up the path.
He wore a plain white t-shirt and a pair of charcoal gray shorts, sunglasses hooked at his collar, his hair slightly tousled. It was simple, effortless. But there was something in the way he moved, the relaxed confidence, the quiet steadiness in his eyes that made her breath catch before she even stepped outside.
Y/N stepped out into the morning sun, her eyes finding his like muscle memory. “Hi.”
“Hey,” he said, voice low and easy, leaning in and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Wow,” he murmured near her ear, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes. “You look incredible.”
She felt heat rise to her cheeks, but her smile didn’t falter. “Thanks.”
He nodded toward the sleek black car behind him, “You ready?”.
“As I’ll ever be,” she said, trying to sound steady, even as her pulse ticked faster. He walked her to the car, opening the passenger door like it was second nature. Not showy, just thoughtful. His hand hovered at the small of her back as she climbed in, warm through the fabric of her skirt.
Once he was in on the driver’s side, he glanced over at her again slower this time. Like he was just now letting himself take her in.
“You look..” he started again, eyes narrowing slightly, like he was teasing himself more than her. “Wow.”
She gave him a look. “You already said that.”
“I know,” he said, smirking a little. “Couldn’t help it.”
Y/N laughed under her breath and turned toward the window, smiling like an idiot. Then she turned back. “You know, you’re not supposed to be this charming this early in the morning.”
He grinned, one hand already on the wheel. “You haven’t even seen my real moves yet.”
“Oh?” she raised a brow.
“You’ll know when you see them,” he said, pulling out onto the road. “But fair warning, I play dirty. Especially when I want someone to like me.”
Y/N gave him a long look, then rolled her eyes with a smile. “Mission accomplished.”
That made him glance at her and something flickered behind his eyes. Like he wanted to say more. Maybe he would.
As the road curved along the coast and the first hints of the ocean glinted between the trees, Y/N squinted toward the horizon, then glanced back at Rafe.
“So… this date,” she said, dragging out the words as she glanced at him. “The card said ‘Let’s chase the rush together.’ That’s either really exciting… or really terrifying.”
Rafe smiled, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel. “Little mystery never hurt anyone.”
She turned toward him a bit more. “Should I be scared?”
He glanced at her, serious for just a beat. “Do you trust me?”
Her gaze lingered on his, steady. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I do.”
That smile returned, softer this time. “Then you’ve got nothing to be scared of.”
They didn’t say anything else for a second,the moment stretching just enough to feel real. The kind of silence that didn’t need filling.
Then she smirked. “But if I end up clinging to you screaming, you’re not allowed to make fun of me.”
“No promises,” he said, but the warmth in his voice made it clear, he wouldn’t mind at all
She laughed, shaking her head. “Seriously though, ‘chase the rush’? That could mean anything. Are we zip-lining into the ocean? Jet skiing into a whirlpool?”
Rafe glanced at her, sunglasses still hooked at his collar, eyes glinting. “You’ll see.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re enjoying this.”
“A little,” he admitted. “But also? I think you’ll love it.”
Y/N rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips was real. “You better not be bluffing.”
He tilted his head, gaze flicking to her and lingering for half a second longer than necessary. “You don’t strike me as someone who scares easy.”
“I don’t,” she said. “But I do like to know if I’m about to be flung off a cliff.”
“No cliffs,” he promised. “Just… trust.”
Y/N shifted slightly in her seat, fingers brushing her skirt. “Can I tell you something kind of... embarrassing?”
Rafe glanced over at her, brows raised just a little, but his voice was steady. “Always.”
She hesitated. “When I didn’t see my name on that first group date card? I don’t know. I felt stupid for how much it got to me. I knew not everyone would get picked, obviously. But I guess I just— I don’t know..” she let out a breathy laugh, “I felt disappointed. Like maybe I wasn’t on your radar the way I thought I was.”
He didn’t interrupt. Just let her keep going.
“I guess I just wanted some kind of sign that you… saw me. And when I didn’t get it, I started second-guessing everything.”
Rafe’s fingers tapped once on the wheel before he looked over, eyes softer than before.
“I did see you,” he said quietly. “That’s exactly why you weren’t on that group date.”
Y/N blinked. “What?”
He smirked a little, eyes flicking back to the road. “Because I didn’t want to share you. Not in a group setting. I wanted this, us, today. Real time. Without distractions.”
She went quiet, warmth blooming under her skin. “Okay… stop. You’re gonna make me blush.”
He grinned, glancing sideways. “Mission very much accomplished.”
The car dipped lower, winding down toward a hidden stretch of coastline. As the trees thinned and the beach came into view, soft sand, open sea, and a small setup of boards and towels tucked near the dunes, Y/N’s breath caught slightly.
“Wow,” she murmured.
Rafe pulled the car to a stop and turned off the engine, glancing over at her with a grin.
“You told me you loved the water,” he said, nodding toward the waves. “So I figured... why not start where I feel at home?”
Her brow lifted, curious. “You surf?”
“Charleston, remember?” he said, flashing a quick smile. “Grew up chasing waves before I ever thought about chasing roses.”
She let out a soft laugh. “So this is your way of showing off?”
He shrugged, playful. “Not showing off just trying to impress you in the most low-key, kind of way.”
She grinned. “Well... consider me curious.”
“Then let’s hit the water.”
The wetsuits were half-zipped, boards propped upright in the sand. Y/N sat on a wooden bench just outside the beach shack, fingers twisting her damp hair into a bun before it slipped again.
Behind her, Rafe strolled over, slowing when he noticed her struggling.
“You want a hand?” he asked.
She glanced back, giving him a sceptical look. “You know how to do this?”
He crouched beside her, easy smile in place. “I’ve got two little sisters. Hair emergencies used to be a regular thing in our house.”
That earned a small laugh from her. “So you’re telling me you’re qualified?”
“I mean, I survived middle school mornings with a brush and a hair tie. I’ve got decent odds.”
She gave a mock sigh and tilted her head toward him. “Alright. Show me what you’ve got.”
He carefully took the hair tie from her wrist and gathered her hair, fingers moving with a quiet sort of ease.
“Wow,” she murmured. “You actually know what you’re doing.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
She shrugged, a smile tugging at her mouth. “You don’t give off strong hair-braiding energy.”
“Well, I try to keep people guessing.”
A pause settled between them, comfortable. His knuckles brushed the back of her neck as he worked, and she sat a little straighter without meaning to.
“There,” he said after a moment, tying it off neatly. “Should hold up at least until the wipeouts start.”
She turned to face him, their eyes meeting at close range. “Thanks.”
He nodded, lingering just a second longer than he needed to. “Anytime.”
Then she stood, smoothing her wetsuit. “Okay, braid boy. Let’s see how you are on a board.”
He grinned. “Alright, show-off. Let’s go.”
The water was cooler than expected, but not shocking. Y/N shrieked as the first wave lapped over her knees, the hem of her wetsuit darkening instantly.
Rafe was already ankle-deep, board tucked under one arm, turning to grin at her over his shoulder. “Come on! This is the easy part.”
Y/N raised a brow, lifting her board like it weighed twice as much. “Right, because balance has always been my strong suit.”
“Balance takes focus,” he said with a grin. “And maybe a little bit of pretending you know what you’re doing.”
She gave him a look. “You’re full of something, that’s for sure.”
He laughed, slowing as she caught up. “Alright, surf school 101. Start on the sand. I want to see your form first before we take on baby waves.”
“You mean humiliating warm-ups in front of you? Sounds dreamy.”
But she followed, dropping her board and mimicking his movements as he demonstrated. Palms flat. Chest up. Feet staggered.
“Like this?” she asked, squinting down at herself.
“Almost,” he said, stepping behind her.
She felt him before she saw him, the shift in the air, the quiet heat of him close behind her. His voice dipped low, the edge of teasing gone, replaced with something slower, warmer. “Try keeping your weight here,” he murmured, gently nudging her elbow into place.
Y/N swallowed. Her pulse jumped. Not from nerves, exactly, but from the way his hand lingered, the warmth of him just at her back.
She turned her head slightly, eyes finding his just over her shoulder.
His gaze held hers for a beat too long. “You’re tense.”
“You’re close,” she said, breathier than intended.
His smile tugged higher, amused but not mocking. “Can’t help it,” he said softly. “You’re kind of distracting.”
She glanced up at him over her shoulder, a small smile tugging at her mouth. “So what happens now, coach?”
He met her eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “Now?” he said, his voice just a little softer. “Now I give you some luck.”
And before she could answer, he leaned in and kissed her. Soft, certain. Just long enough to make her forget her footing, just short enough to leave her chasing it.
When he pulled back, his forehead nearly brushed hers.
“For luck,” he repeated, quieter this time.
Her cheeks flushed. “That’s cheating.”
He grinned as he stepped back. “Not if it works.”
She turned away, heart thudding, trying to reset her stance but her balance wasn’t the only thing off anymore. Not even close.
“Okay,” she managed, focusing back on the board. “I think I got it.”
“Yeah,” he said quietly, watching her. “I think you do.”
Ten minutes later, they were in the water, boards bobbing beside them, the steady pulse of the waves rolling in around their ankles. Rafe moved with calm ease, like he belonged there. Y/N.. less so.
“Alright, when the wave starts to lift you, that’s your moment,” he called gently from a few feet away. “Paddle, then pop up.”
She nodded, bracing herself. The next wave came. She paddled, tried to stand -
And wiped out instantly.
The ocean flipped her like a coin, water rushing up her nose. She surfaced with a gasp, blinking against the sun, hair stuck to her face.
Rafe was already beside her. “Hey, hey,” he said, laughing softly but checking her face. “You good?”
“Think I swallowed half the ocean,” she said, breathless.
“You’ll build immunity,” he grinned. Then, without thinking, he reached out and gently pushed a few damp strands of hair away from her cheek.
Y/N stilled slightly at the touch, and their eyes met, a pause in the middle of all the motion. Quiet, but full.
“You’re fine,” he said, voice softer now. “You’re doing great.”
She gave a half-smile, still catching her breath. “Not sure that counts as standing.”
“You got up,” he said simply. “That’s the hard part.”
She let out a shaky laugh and pushed her hair back again. “Alright. Again?”
He nodded. “Absolutely.”
They paddled out side by side. A new wave rolled in, smaller this time. She caught it, stood, and managed to stay upright just long enough to feel the wind cut across her skin before she dropped back into the water.
When she popped back up, laughing, he was already next to her again.
“That felt almost real!” she said.
“It was real,” he said, grinning. “You’re getting there.”
They floated for a second, shoulder to shoulder, boards drifting closer. She looked at him again, wet hair, sun on his skin, that steady kind of warmth in his eyes and the words came out without thinking.
“Thanks for doing this.”
He met her gaze. “You told me you love the water.”
Y/N smiled. “I didn’t mean nearly drowning in it, but... yeah. This means a lot.”
A beat passed. He looked like he was about to say something else but then another wave started rolling in.
The water was calmer now, waves mellowing into a soft rhythm that pulsed around their legs. Y/N had waded in up to her hips, her braid damp from earlier wipeouts, her wetsuit unzipped halfway to reveal the edge of her bikini top. The ocean breeze played with the loose strands of hair that had slipped free, and her eyes never left Rafe as he rode the last wave in.
He cut cleanly across the water, graceful and sure, before stepping off his board and catching sight of her.
“Still watching me?” he asked, breathless as he approached, board trailing behind him.
“Someone’s gotta judge your form,” she said, the corner of her mouth curving.
“Oh yeah?” He slowed as he reached her, water swirling around their waists. “And?”
Her eyes flicked down his chest, still dripping, then back up. “You pass.”
“Barely?” he teased.
She shrugged, like she wasn’t already smiling. “You might need to prove it again.”
Rafe didn’t answer not with words. He reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair off her cheek with a touch that lingered. Then his hand slid to her waist, warm even in the cool water, drawing her in.
Their bodies bumped gently in the current, salt clinging to skin.
And then he kissed her.
Soft at first, slow and exploratory. Her hands slid up over his shoulders, fingers curling at the nape of his neck. He tasted like sea and adrenaline, sun-warmed skin and the quiet tension of something that had been building all day.
Her breath caught when his thumb brushed under the edge of her bikini top, not possessive, just familiar, like he already knew her shape.
The waves rocked gently around them, water lifting and falling at their sides, and it felt like they were suspended in it — this little pocket of ocean and heat and want.
When they finally broke apart, she was breathless.
“I thought this was supposed to be a surf lesson,” she said, lips still grazing his.
He smiled, hand still on her waist. “Call it... extra credit.”
The tide had eased into a slower rhythm, each wave rolling in with a hush like it had nowhere else to be. Y/N stood barefoot at the edge of the shoreline, toes sinking into damp sand, her wetsuit unzipped halfway down her stomach to reveal the edge of her bikini top. Her braid clung damply to her back, salt still on her skin.
Out in the water, Rafe paddled hard, then popped up, smooth and effortless, catching the swell just before it broke. He rode it clean, low and controlled, the board tilting beneath him with practiced confidence.
Y/N watched, shading her eyes with one hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. When he hit the final stretch of the wave and hopped off with a neat, easy dive, she gave a single clap, shaking her head with a quiet laugh under her breath.
“Alright, I’m impressed,” she murmured to no one.
He came up grinning, pushing his hair back, scanning until his eyes found hers. From the water, he raised a brow like he’d caught the tail end of her reaction. She didn’t say anything, just tilted her head and shrugged like, yeah, okay — you’re good.
He grinned wider, already moving back toward shore.
And from where she stood, the sea in front of her, him swimming back, that look still on his face, something about it felt good. Easy. Like maybe she’d been waiting for a moment like this without realizing it.
The afternoon light stretched long across the beach, still warm but softening, the kind of light that made the ocean sparkle like it was holding onto summer. Y/N walked beside Rafe, hand in his, the sand cool and powdery under their feet, the rhythmic hush of the waves a steady backdrop to their quiet moment.
Just ahead, nestled in a shallow dip between two dunes, was the kind of setup that felt too pretty to be real, a low wooden table surrounded by striped pillows and folded blankets, a woven basket off to one side. Candles flickered inside hurricane glass jars, and a small bottle of champagne sweated in an ice bucket.
Y/N let out a quiet breath. “Oh my.. this is adorable.”
Rafe glanced over at her, their fingers still loosely intertwined. “Yeah?”
She nodded, a smile playing at her lips. “Yeah.”
“Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s enjoy it.”
They sank down onto the cushions, still a little salt-kissed from the ocean. Rafe reached for the bottle and popped the cork with a clean twist, the sound light and easy. He poured two glasses and handed her one, their fingers brushing.
Rafe poured carefully, handing her a glass before lifting his own.
“To us.” he said, voice a little softer now.
Y/N’s gaze met his, steady.
“To us,” she repeated, tapping her glass gently against his.
They clinked glasses, they sipped and the silence that followed was the comfortable kind. Rafe reached into the basket and pulled out the containers, spreading them between them.
“Tacos, fruit, little bit of everything,” he said.
Y/N peeked inside, lips already curving. “Okay, you just won major points.”
He laughed softly. “I figured it was safer than trying to impress you with my cooking.”
She took a bite, nodding with clear approval. “This is exactly what I needed.”
They ate slowly, passing the fruit between them, brushing fingers now and then small grazes that lingered longer each time. The stories turned quieter, less about the past and more about the now. He watched her laugh over a piece of mango, eyes crinkled, sunlight catching the curve of her lips.
When she leaned back on her hands, eyes on him, something shifted.
Rafe mirrored her without thinking, elbow brushing hers as he settled beside her. He turned toward her slightly, gaze dragging from her mouth to her eyes and back again.
She caught it. Didn’t look away.
“What?” she asked, voice low, teasing.
“You have no idea what you do to me,” he said, just above a murmur, but there was no joking in it.
Her smile curved slow. “I think I’m starting to.”
Their knees touched. Then his fingers reached, brushing a piece of hair from her shoulder, fingertips skating lightly along the exposed skin at her collarbone. The kind of touch that wasn’t about fixing anything, just feeling.
Her breath hitched.
Without a word, Rafe reached for her waist and gently tugged, guiding her up then shifting her into his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. His hands settled on her hips, steady, warm.
Y/N’s arms looped around his neck, knees bracketing his thighs now. She looked down at him, playful, flushed, and just a little breathless.
Rafe leaned in like he couldn’t help it anymore. Their mouths didn’t meet at first, just hovered. Close enough to taste the possibility.
“Are you gonna kiss me again,” she asked, “or just keep looking at me like that?”
His lips brushed hers, not quite a kiss more like a dare.
“Depends,” he whispered. “You want slow… or do you want me to forget the cameras are even here?”
That made her laugh, soft and low before closing the gap with a kiss that wasn’t slow at all.
It was heat and salt and want. His hand slid up her back, drawing her closer until her chest was flush to his, her fingers curling in his shirt like she needed something to hold onto. He kissed her like they were alone on the planet like the moment had been waiting for them to catch up.
When they finally broke apart, lips swollen, cheeks flushed, they didn’t say anything right away. Just breathed, still tangled in each other, like neither of them was ready to pull back.
Rafe smiled against her temple. “You’re trouble, you know that?”
Y/N grinned, curling a little closer. “Only the good kind.”
And he kissed her again just because he could.
The sun hovered just above the horizon, casting everything in that soft golden wash that made the world feel quieter – slower. The ocean glinted with ribbons of orange and rose gold, each wave reflecting the sky.
Y/N and Rafe sat nestled on a blanket near the edge of the dunes, a little distance from their now-empty picnic setup. She leaned back into him, her body relaxed against his chest, his arms wrapped around her like it was second nature. He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his breath warm near her ear.
They didn’t talk. Not yet. The quiet was full, but not heavy just comfortable.
Y/N tilted her head slightly toward his. “We’re gonna blame the champagne if I get emotional, right?”
Rafe let out a soft laugh, brushing his nose along the curve of her jaw. “Deal. Champagne… and sunsets. Dangerous combo.”
She smiled, fingers threading with his over her stomach where his arms held her close. “It’s just… nice, you know? To not feel like I have to talk or impress or perform.”
“You don’t,” he said quietly. “You never have to do anything but just… be here.”
Her eyes fluttered shut for a second, letting that settle in her chest.
She shifted slightly, turning in his arms until they were almost face to face, her legs drawn up between them. Her fingers moved up, slowly combing through the back of his hair, soft gentle strokes that made him close his eyes for half a second.
When he opened them again, she was watching him, brows slightly raised in curiosity.
“I really like you,” he said, voice low, not shy just honest.
She smiled, soft and slow. “Do you?”
He leaned in, pressing a small, lingering kiss to her lips. “Mm-hmm. I do.”
Her thumb brushed along the side of his neck as she whispered, “I think I like you a little bit.”
He raised a brow, playful. “Just a little bit?”
“Mm-hmm,” she teased.
“Yeah?” His voice was warm, a quiet smile spreading across his lips.
And then he kissed her again, deeper this time. Her hand stayed tangled in his hair, his arms tightening gently around her like he didn’t want to let go.
When they finally pulled apart, they were still nose to nose, foreheads nearly touching, breath mingling in the last golden light of the day.
After the make-out session, Y/N rested against Rafe’s side. One hand in his lap, gently tracing the veins along his forearm. Her fingertips moved slowly, following each line with quiet curiosity, like she was memorizing him by touch, the warmth of his skin, the strength beneath it, the way he didn’t flinch or pull away, just let her.
Rafe glanced down at her hand on his, then back at her face. She was focused, soft in the way she always was when she thought no one was watching.
“Comfortable?” he asked, voice low.
She smiled without looking up. “Very.”
The silence between them wasn’t really silent it held the sound of waves, a gull overhead, and that hush that happens when two people know they’re not in a rush to leave.
Then Rafe shifted slightly, reaching behind him to grab something from under the edge of the blanket. When he turned back, the familiar red rose was in his hand — bright against the soft dusk tones.
Y/N sat up just enough to meet his eyes, her hand falling to rest lightly on his knee.
Rafe’s gaze didn’t waver. “Today felt... easy. But also kind of electric? You were open, fun, honest and I think I saw more of you than I have of most people in a month.”
He paused, thumb brushing the edge of her knee as he held out the rose between them.
“I want more of that. Of you. So…” He smiled. “Y/N, will you accept this rose?”
A beat. Then her mouth curved gently, eyes never leaving his. “Yeah. I will.”
Rafe leaned in, meaning to kiss her cheek but she turned just enough to meet him, lips catching lips, soft and easy.
She tucked the rose carefully beside her on the blanket and leaned back into him, his arm curling around her waist. Her head found its place on his shoulder again, and they stayed that way, limbs tangled, breath synced, skin still buzzing from everything and nothing.
The sky above stretched into early violet, fading toward something darker.
Confessional – Rafe
“This might’ve been my favorite date so far. And not just because of the surfing.”
He pauses like he’s about to say more, then smirks, smile deepening.
“She’s got this way of looking at you, like she already knows what you’re thinking. And then laughs like she doesn’t take any of it too seriously. I don’t know... I think I’m already a little wrapped around her finger.”
“And the craziest part? I don’t even mind.”
He exhales, sitting back slightly, eyes still soft.
“I could’ve stayed on that beach with her all night.”
Confessional — Y/N
“I can’t stop smiling. Which is ridiculous, I know, but… it felt like real life today. It didn’t feel like a first date. It felt like something I’ve done before. Or something I want to keep doing.” She let out a soft laugh.
THE NEXT DAY
Sunlight filtered through the lemon trees, casting soft shadows across the stone patio. The girls had sprawled across lounge chairs and picnic blankets with oversized mugs of coffee and half-eaten bowls of fruit and granola in front of them. A low speaker played something mellow and easy. Someone had lit a citronella candle that flickered lazily in the breeze.
Y/N sat cross-legged on a cushion, tracing her finger around the rim of her mug, looking entirely too content not to be interrogated.
Alyssa was the first to break. “Are you gonna make us beg, or?”
Y/N smirked behind her mug. “Beg for what?”
“You’re glowing. You’ve been glowing since you walked back in,” Kayla said, laughing.
Daniella, lying on her stomach with her chin propped on her arms, glanced up. “She’s not even trying to hide it.”
Y/N gave them a mock innocent look. “Hide what?”
“Oh my god,” Kayla groaned, flipping onto her side dramatically. “You had your date. With Rafe. On the beach. Alone. Start talking.”
Y/N bit her bottom lip, a little too pleased. “It was… really good. Better than good even.”
The girls collectively lost it. Laughter. Pillow nudges. A chorus of “We knew it!”
Alyssa sat up. “Details, please.”
“It was…” Y/N’s voice softened, eyes drifting for a second. “Real. Just… us. Surfing, talking, messing around in the water.”
“Wait,” Alyssa said, sitting up straighter. “You surf?”
“Absolutely not,” Y/N said with a laugh. “Mostly I swallowed saltwater and embarrassed myself. But he tried to teach me.”
“He totally loved that,” Kayla said knowingly.
Y/N shrugged, cheeks warm. “He said he did.”
A beat passed.
Daniella raised a brow. “And?”
Y/N tilted her head. “And what?”
Alyssa leaned in. “Did you kiss him?”
Y/N just smiled into her coffee.
Kayla gasped. “YOU DID.”
Y/N gave a small, helpless laugh. “In the water.”
Daniella collapsed backward. “And the chemistry?”
Y/N’s cheeks went a little pink. “Let’s just say… the ocean wasn’t the only thing heating up.”
Alyssa tossed a strawberry at her. “Shut. Up.”
They all laughed again, the kind of easy, morning-after laughter that felt like friendship and sunscreen and too much sun. Somewhere in the background, a bee buzzed lazily past.
Daniella eventually glanced sideways. “Did he give you the rose?”
Y/N nodded slowly. “He did.”
The girls beamed.
“Well,” Kayla said, stealing a grape. “Let’s just say... if I were him, I would’ve too.”
“We officially have a frontrunner.”
Y/N rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. Not even a little.
Then she glanced down at her hands, fingers brushing the side of her mug. “I know I’m smiling like an idiot, but... I really don’t want to be that girl. I don’t want to rub it in or make anyone feel bad. I know how much all of us want this, and you guys deserve it too. Honestly.”
Daniella leaned over and squeezed her hand. “We know that.”
“Seriously,” Y/N added, voice softer now. “I just... really hope you all get moments like that. You deserve to feel seen.”
“I’m just glad it’s with someone who actually gets it,” Alyssa said.
Kayla nodded. “And we’re rooting for you. No weird energy, just love.”
Y/N smiled, heart swelling. “I love you guys.”
“Love you too,” Daniella murmured.
Alyssa lifted her mug. “To good dates and even better friends.”
They clinked coffee mugs, bursting into laughter again. For a second, it didn’t matter who had a rose or not.
The second group date came and went, a whirlwind of cowboy boots, line dancing, and unexpected rhythm from girls who swore they’d never two-step. Laughter echoed through a converted barn lit with string lights, where boots scuffed the floor and hands found their way to hips between spins.
By the end of the night, the energy had settled into something quieter, sweeter.
The group date rose went to Daniella.
THE DAY OF THE ROSE CEREMONY
The heat clung to the afternoon like it had no plans to leave. Most of the girls were scattered around the back patio, sunglasses on, legs stretched out, half-lounging with iced drinks in hand when a voice called from inside:
“Jesse’s here!”
Chairs scraped. Flip-flops slapped against tile. In a matter of seconds, the living room buzzed.
Jesse stood in the middle of the room, hands in his pockets, that usual unreadable grin on his face.
“Hey ladies,” he said. “I know it’s been a big week. Two group dates, one-on-one, lots of emotions…”
Some nods. Some wary looks.
He smiled. “So Rafe thought, instead of waiting for the cocktail party to get more time with all of you, why not do something a little more fun?”
“He’s throwing a pool party.”
The room broke into surprised laughter. “Get your swimsuits ready,” Jesse added with a smirk. “He’ll be here soon.”
The music had already been turned up. Girls darted in and out of the bedrooms and bathrooms in a blur of bikini straps, cover-ups and lip gloss. The backyard sparkled, turquoise pool, pitchers of mocktails sweating on the table, beach balls drifting lazily in the water.
And then the sliding door opened.
Rafe stepped outside and the volume of every conversation dipped almost immediately.
He wore a short-sleeved linen shirt, the top few buttons undone to reveal just enough of his chest to be noticeable. Sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” he said, grinning.
That’s all it took, a rush of footsteps and laughter. A few girls surged toward him with excited greetings, arms thrown around his shoulders.
Zoe, predictably dramatic, didn’t stop at a hug, she leapt up and wrapped both arms and legs around him like a koala, like it was the most normal thing in the world. “Missed me?”
Rafe caught her with a quick, surprised laugh, hands steady at her waist. He offered Zoe a grin that was light, then gently lowering her back to the ground, the looked up at the rest with a soft shake of his head, “Glad to see the energy’s high already.”
The rest of the girls exchanged a few amused, and not-so-amused looks.
Y/N stood a little behind the front row of girls, shoulder to shoulder with Daniella. She wasn’t pushing forward, just watching. From behind his sunglasses, Rafe’s gaze swept the group until it landed on her.
He didn’t say anything. Just let the corner of his mouth lift and sent her a quick, subtle wink.
Her breath hitched, barely. No one else noticed. Just her. Just him.
Someone cranked the music a little louder. Drinks were passed around. Naomi started pouring something fizzy into plastic glasses.
“Okay!” Kayla called. “We need a toast before anyone starts pushing anyone in.”
Rafe raised his glass, the sunlight catching the rim. “To a day off with the best company I could ask for.”
The girls cheered, a happy clink of plastic cups echoing over the pool.
And just like that, the party officially began.
Rafe barely had time to finish his drink before Zoe pulled him toward one of the loungers near the pool, already launching into a conversation with a laugh and a flip of her hair.
A few feet away, Y/N had drifted toward a shaded corner with Alyssa, Daniella, Kayla and Zara, each of them holding onto drinks and dripping in SPF.
“So..” Daniella said “How are we feeling about today?”
“Besides slightly sunburned?” Y/N smirked, then hesitated, eyes flicking briefly toward the far side of the patio. “There’s just been... a bit of tension.”
“Still with Britt?” Alyssa asked.
“Yeah,” Y/N said, tracing the edge of her glass with her fingertip. “It’s not like we’re throwing drinks at each other or anything. It’s just.. weird. Off.”
Zara frowned slightly. “Did something happen?”
Y/N hesitated for a second, then nodded. “Sort of. The morning after the first group date… she made this comment about you being too sensitive after you went outside, like in a really dismissive way. I called her out on it.”
Zara blinked. “Wait, what?”
“Yeah,” Y/N said gently. “She said if someone can’t handle the pressure of this, they shouldn’t be here. I just.. couldn’t let that slide. I’m sorry I should’ve said something to you.”
Y/N exhaled slowly. “I didn’t want it to turn into drama, but it’s been tense since. I’ve been thinking maybe I should talk to her. Just clear the air.”
Zara gave a small, appreciative smile. “I might talk to her too. Not to confront her, I just... I don’t want to leave here with any loose threads either.”
“Thanks for standing up for me,” she added a beat later.
“Of course,” Y/N said. “I just hate the feeling of something lingering like that. I don’t need us to be best friends, but I don’t want it to get ugly either.”
Y/N spotted Britt by the cabana. Y/N took a breath, adjusted her sunglasses and walked over.
“Hey,” she said, keeping her tone neutral but not cold.
Britt glanced up. “Hey.”
“Can we talk for a sec?” Y/N asked, nodding toward a quieter corner of the patio.
Britt hesitated, then nodded her head and stood. “Sure.”
They stepped away from the buzz of the group, stopping near a shaded patch beneath the pergola where the breeze softened the heat.
Y/N folded her arms lightly across her chest. “I don’t want to make a big thing out of this, but… it’s been a little tense between us.”
Britt raised an eyebrow. “You think?”
Y/N exhaled through her nose, holding back the urge to snap. “I’m not here to argue. I just wanted to clear the air.”
Britt didn’t say anything at first. Just waited.
“That morning of the first group date,” Y/N continued, “what you said about Zara... it didn’t sit right with me. It felt harsh. She was hurting, and I just couldn’t pretend it was fine.”
Britt’s jaw ticked. “She was having a moment. I made a comment. That’s all.”
“And I get that,” Y/N said. “But it felt like more than that. Like you were minimizing what she was going through. You don’t have to agree with how she feels, but dismissing it like that? It wasn’t cool.”
Silence settled for a moment.
Britt looked away, eyes narrowing slightly. “I wasn’t trying to be cold. I just don’t have time for people falling apart every five minutes. This is hard for everyone.”
“I’m not saying it’s not,” Y/N said, her voice calm but firm. “But you don’t get to decide how someone else handles it.”
There was a long pause. The wind moved between them.
Finally, Britt exhaled. “Alright. You’ve said your piece.”
Y/N nodded once. “Yeah. I just didn’t want to pretend like nothing happened.”
Britt met her eyes, unreadable. “Noted.”
A beat.
“I don’t expect us to be friends,” Y/N added. “But I don’t want this to get uglier.”
Britt’s tone was cool. “Then don’t make it uglier.”
That one stung, not sharp, but firm. Final.
Y/N didn’t respond right away. She just nodded again, more to herself this time.
“Okay,” she said softly. “That’s all.”
She turned and walked away, her chest feeling heavier than before.
Y/N stood near the far end of the pool with Rafe, her drink balanced in her hand, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“You okay?” he asked gently, eyes scanning her face.
She gave him a half-smile, brushing her thumb over the condensation on her glass. “Yeah. Just – I don’t know. One of those days.”
Rafe studied her a moment longer, then tipped his heads toward the back gate. “Come on. Let’s walk for a sec.”
They slipped away from the crowd, weaving through the edge of the garden until the noise faded into a low hum. He found a shaded spot near the trees, just quiet enough to feel like a separate world and stopped there.
“You don’t have to tell me,” he said softly, “but I can tell something’s on your mind.”
Y/N exhaled and leaned against the trunk of a lemon tree, fingers fidgeting with her necklace. “It’s nothing major, just... girl stuff, I guess. There’s been some tension with Britt. I don’t really want to get into it because I’m not the type to badmouth someone –“ she paused, eyes flicking to his, “but it got under my skin today.”
Rafe didn’t interrupt, just watched her quiet, present.
“She said something that didn’t sit right with me,” Y/N added “And I stood up for someone else, but now things between us are just... weird. I don’t like the energy.”
His brows drew slightly, concern soft but real. “You don’t need to apologize for having a backbone.”
Y/N smiled faintly. “I know. I just.. I didn’t come here to fight with other girls. That is not who I am.”
Rafe stepped closer, hand brushing her waist in a slow, grounding touch. “You’re not. You’re the kind of person who stands up when it matters, and still worries about doing it kindly. That’s rare.”
She blinked at him, her voice smaller now. “Why are you so good at this?”
He grinned, warm and a little crooked. “I’ve got a thing for girls who lead with their heart.”
She laughed softly, the tension beginning to ease, and when his hand came to rest along her back, she leaned into it. He dipped his head slightly, close enough that their foreheads nearly touched.
“Still trouble,” she murmured, teasing, but her voice was quieter this time, vulnerable.
“And still wrapped around your finger,” he said, thumb brushing the hem of her cover-up.
She looked up at him, gaze soft, and for a moment they just stood there, close and still.
Then he kissed her slow and quiet, a reassurance more than anything else.
And when they returned to the party a few minutes later, the weight she’d been carrying felt a little lighter.
The patio had thinned out as some girls slipped inside to freshen up or grab another drink. Zara took a breath, “Can we talk?” she asked, voice steady but quiet.
Britt didn’t look up. “Didn’t realize we had anything left to say.”
Zara didn’t flinch. “You don’t have to like me. But you don’t get to treat me like I’m a weak just because I process things differently than you.”
That got Britt’s attention. She looked up slowly, brows arching. “Wow. Okay.”
“No—listen,” Zara said, voice tightening. “What you said the other day? About me not being cut out for this? That’s just you being a mean girl and for a second I was thinking maybe you were right.”
Britt rolled her eyes, sitting up straighter. “I didn’t say you weren’t cut out for it. I said if you can’t handle the pressure, maybe this isn’t the place.”
“Which is basically the same thing,” Zara said, her tone sharper now. “You don’t get to decide how someone should handle their emotions. I’ve been trying. I’ve shown up. I’ve been honest. That doesn’t make me fragile—it makes me human.”
A few heads were turning now, quiet glances from nearby girls, uncertain but watching.
Britt stood up, arms crossed. “You’re twisting my words. Everyone’s going through it. You don’t see the rest of us falling apart.”
Zara’s jaw clenched, and she blinked hard once. “You don’t know what people are going through. Just because someone isn’t falling apart in front of you doesn’t mean they’re fine.”
Britt scoffed, like it wasn’t worth her time.
Zara took a half-step back, eyes glassy but not breaking. “You act like you don’t care, but honestly? That’s arrogance and you being a mean person.”
And then, without turning, Zara muttered, “I’m done,” and walked off, shoulders stiff.
That’s when Rafe stepped out from the hallway, catching the tail end, Zara walking away, visibly shaken, Britt standing there with her jaw tight and unmoved.
Rafe didn’t say anything to Britt.
Instead, he followed the direction Zara had gone, leaving the noise behind.
Rafe found Zara near the garden, away from the noise. She didn’t see him at first, but when she did, she didn’t hide the tears welling in her eyes. He didn’t ask anything, just stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. She held on tight.
They talked in low voices, her words barely audible over the music drifting from the patio. Whatever was said between them, it ended with another hug. His hand rubbed gently along her back. She nodded once as he pulled away, and he gave her a quiet look before turning and walking back toward the house.
Britt hadn’t moved from the lounger.
When Rafe stepped into view, she straightened subtly, slipping her sunglasses to the top of her head and giving him a small smile too quick, too smooth.
“Hey,” she said lightly, like nothing had happened. “Didn’t expect you over here.”
He didn’t return the smile. “Can we talk?”
Her smile faltered, but she nodded. “Of course.”
He didn’t sit.
“I just spoke to Zara,” he said, voice even. “And I overheard enough before that to understand what’s been going on.”
Britt’s expression froze for half a second before she recovered, reaching for composure. “Look, if this is about—”
He held up a hand, stopping her.
“No spin. No explanation. I’ve seen the way you talk to people when you think they’re vulnerable. How quick you are to pull away when someone’s struggling.”
She looked off to the side, jaw tight.
“I didn’t expect that from you,” he said. “I thought there was more kindness in you. More awareness of how hard this experience can be. But the way you handled that? That’s not what I’m looking for.”
Her voice was lower now. “So that’s it?”
He nodded, steady. “This journey deserves people who lift each other up. And right now, I need to follow what I know is right. I’m walking you out.”
She stared for a beat, mouth parted like she might say something but she didn’t. Just set her drink down with a soft clink and stood.
“Guess that’s that,” she muttered.
He walked beside her, quiet, out through the open doors.
The evening air had cooled by the time the girls lined up on the rose ceremony platform, heels clicking softly on the stone. The tension was undeniable, the kind that quieted even the usual whispers.
Y/N stood near Daniella and Maya, the three of them already safe with roses from their dates, watching as Rafe stepped forward with the remaining flowers.
His eyes moved across the group, lingering in places just long enough to make hearts race.
“Tonight wasn’t easy,” he began. “You’ve all shown me different sides of yourselves, and I’m grateful for every conversation, every laugh even the hard moments. But I have to follow what feels real. So… here we go.”
Each rose handed with a hug or a quiet “thank you,” leaving three women standing at the end.
Selene.
Brianna.
And the now-empty space where Britt once stood.
Jesse returned quietly to deliver the final rose.
Rafe took a breath, then looked up.
“Zoe.”
Zoe stepped forward slowly, visibly relieved.
That was it.
Selene’s smile was small but gracious, while Brianna looked stunned, like she hadn’t expected to be on the edge of goodbye. Hugs were exchanged, some tighter than others.
From the sidelines, Y/N glanced toward Daniella. Neither said anything, but the shift in the air was real.
The circle had grown smaller again. And everything ahead? Only more real.
