𝘉𝘢𝘣𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳

24

Plates clinked, Rae was halfway through a story that made absolutely no sense, and Ria sat at the head of the table sipping her wine, finally back from her trip and clearly happy to be home. You were helping Rae cut her food when Rin cleared his throat.

"I gotta say something," he said, casual his eyes low. 

Ria glanced up immediately. "That sounds serious."

Rae squinted at him. "Are you in trouble?"

"No," Rin said quickly. "Just shut up, ugly"

He glanced at you—just for a second—then back to them. "Me and Y/N are... dating."

Silence.

Forks froze mid-air.

Rae's mouth dropped open. "WAIT."

Ria blinked once. Then twice.

"...Dating?" Ria repeated slowly.

Rae shot to her feet. "LIKE FOR REAL DATING?!"

"Yes," Rin said, already bracing himself.

Rae looked between the two of you, eyes wide, then gasped dramatically. "I KNEW IT. I TOLD OLLIE. I TOLD HIM."

Ria leaned back in her chair, studying you now—not harsh, just curious. Then she smiled. "Well," she said, "I'm happy."

Your shoulders relaxed instantly.

"I like you," Ria continued, gesturing with her fork. "You're good to Rae. You're responsible. You don't treat my house like a hotel." She paused, then tilted her head at Rin. "I'm just a little confused."

Rin frowned. "About what?"

Ria squinted at him. "How you pulled her."

Rae burst out laughing. "YEAH."

"THE FUCK?" Rin protested.

Ria shook her head, smiling. "I'm serious. She's kind, she's smart, she could model, she takes care of my child—" she looked at you again, fond. "And you?"

Rin stared. "Wow."

"You're lucky," Ria finished simply.

Rae nodded aggressively. "Like... really lucky."