“Then you definitely need a break,” Bryan said, scooting over to make room.“We’re three rounds in and Seth’s cheating.”
“I’m not cheating, you’re just bad,” Seth said.
The easy rhythm of it all settled around me.For a few minutes it felt normal again.
At least until I noticed Paxon.
He sat at the end of the couch, a controller resting in his lap but untouched.His smile was faint, eyes distant.Every now and then, he’d glance toward the door.
I tried not to watch him.Tried not to let it show that I noticed.
When the next round ended, Paxon stood.“Hey, I actually need to get going,” he said, voice casual but thin around the edges.
Bryan frowned immediately.“What?We’ve barely been playing an hour.”
“Yeah, I know,” Paxon rubbed the back of his neck.“I just forgot I promised Cal I’d help him with something.”
Seth turned to him, controller lowering to his lap.The room quieted around us, even the TV sounded distant.I could practically hear my pulse in my ears.
“Cal’s seven, man,” Seth said evenly.“What could he suddenly need help with that you just so happened to have forgotten about?”
Paxon shifted his weight, his jaw tightening.“It’s just something for school.He—”
Bryan cut him off, leaning forward.“You serious right now?You’ve been ghosting half the time we hang out, and now you’re bailing again?”
“Bryan,” I said softly, but he didn’t look at me.
“No, I mean it,” Bryan went on, his tone sharper than usual.“You think we don’t notice?You think she doesn’t notice?”
My face tingled as all the blood left it and I paled.Paxon’s gaze flickered to me, then away again.
“This isn’t about that.”
“Then what’s it about?”Seth asked, quieter but firmer.“Because it’s starting to feel like you’re avoiding us or her.And I’m not buying the ‘busy with family’ excuse anymore.”
The air grew thick between them, between all of us.
Paxon’ shoulders stiffened.“I said it’s not that, okay?Just drop it.”
“Pax,” Justin said finally, his voice calm but edged with disappointment.“We care about you, but you don’t get to act like this doesn’t affect anyone.”
“I’m not doing anything wrong,” Paxon snapped and the sudden bite of his voice startled even him.
Bryan practically jumped to his feet, his controller falling to the floor with a sharp clatter.“You are doing something wrong when you keep hurting her.”
I froze.The heat in my face, the way everyone’s attention shifted to me—I couldn’t breathe.
“That’s enough,” Seth said quickly, voice low, but no one was really listening to him.I could barely hear him with how loud my heart was hammering in my chest.
Paxon looked at Bryan, at Seth, then at me.For a second, something like regret flashed in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came.“I need to go,” he said again, softer this time.
I tried to keep my voice even.“It’s okay.”My words came out raspy.“You should go if you need to.”
He looked at me then, just for a second, and it was rough.The distance between us wasn’t just emotional, but real.And I gave him the permission he needed.He snagged his jacket and practically ran out the door.The door clicked shut behind him.
“What the hell is his problem?”Bryan asked.
“Bryan—” Seth started, but Bryan cut him off.
