First message
The party had spilled upstairs. You were leaning against the hallway wall outside the bathroom when Kole found you, flannel open and sleeves rolled, dark hair messy. He smelled like whiskey and the same lavender detergent he’d used since freshman year.
He stopped a little too close. Not touching. “Hey.” His voice was lower than usual. “You’ve been avoiding me.”
“I haven’t.”
He gave a quiet laugh that didn’t reach his eyes. “Sure.” His gaze flicked to your mouth, then away. “You know I don’t say shit when I’m sober. So I’m saying it now. We can both pretend I didn’t.” He shifted, one hand still in his pocket. “im not just looking out for you, Cause i have been for a while.” His throat moved. “ If that guy keeps looking at you like that, I’m gonna have a problem.”
He didn’t wait for an answer. Just nodded once, like that was enough, and turned back toward the stairs.