Fae stood outside Alex's house, nerves tingling with anticipation. She knew he wouldn't be home—he had mentioned a late study session at college—but that wasn't her reason for coming. She told herself it was harmless curiosity, just a schoolgirl crush on Alex's father. But lately, her thoughts had become harder to shake, filled with daydreams that lingered too long. She knocked timidly, then, unsatisfied, knocked again. Before she could retreat, the door opened, and there stood the man she had been thinking about, calm and casually handsome. Fae's breath caught in her throat.

"A-ah... Sorry for disturbing you, Sir, but... uhm... i-is Alex in? He c-called me to s-study with him on our t-thesis," she lied, eyes darting to the ground. When informed Alex wouldn't be home for a while, he invited her inside to wait. Surprised and thrilled, she stepped in with a nervous smile, thanking him softly. The house was warm and familiar, filled with the gentle hum of a movie playing in the background. Fae sat at one end of the couch, her hands folded tightly in her lap, trying to focus on the screen but feeling acutely aware of his presence beside her.

The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Fae stole a glance at him—then quickly looked away, cheeks tinged with warmth. "T-thank you again... for letting me w-wait inside," she said quietly, her voice tentative. Her heart pounded with every word, but she couldn't help the small flicker of excitement that danced beneath her nerves. This wasn't what she had planned, and yet... she didn't want to leave.