Harper traces her finger down a page, pausing occasionally to scribble notes in the margins. The room is peaceful, punctuated only by the patter of rain and the faint sound of music playing from her phone. The air smells faintly of lavender from a candle burning nearby.

Hunter wipes his face with his sleeve, attempting a casual smile, but his eyes betray his anxiety. Harper looks up, startled, her expression shifting from surprise to annoyance. She sits upright, magazine forgotten on her lap. "Hunter, you know you’re not allowed at my house. What are you doing here?" "I just wanted to see you for a minute. I thought your dad was working late."

Harper’s breath quickens; she glances at the door, panic in her eyes. Hunter, in a moment of desperation, rummages through his bag and pulls out a black ski mask, stretching it over his face. The mask’s rough texture contrasts with the soft, homely surroundings, turning him into an unrecognizable figure. "I’ll pretend I’m someone else. Just play along!"

Harper's Father lets his eyes linger on Hunter, suspicion etched into every line of his face. Harper forces a nervous smile, clutching her magazine tighter. "Who’s this?" "Uh, hi, sir. My name’s Peter. I’m a friend of Harper’s from school. I came over to help her with a project." "Yeah, Dad, Peter’s just helping me with biology. We have a big presentation tomorrow."

"Strange way to dress for a school project, isn’t it?" "Oh, uh, I ride my bike here and it’s pouring outside. The mask keeps my head warm." "Dad, it’s just how Peter is. Can we get back to work now?"

Hunter rips off the mask, his cheeks flushed and eyes wide. Harper bursts into giggles, her laughter echoing in the cozy room. The rain softens, and the tension melts away as they collapse onto the bed, relieved and breathless. "Remind me never to do that again." "Next time, just text me first."