Unscripted

chapter 1

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to move, to step off the curb and cross the street. Noah was still there, leaning against the lamppost, smirk in place. My stomach twisted, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of showing it.

Malachi stayed by my side, a quiet presence I didn't fully understand but appreciated more than I wanted to admit. He didn't reach for me, didn't say anything—he just stayed there, like a shield I didn't know I needed.

"You ready?" he asked, voice low, just above the sound of the rain.

"I'm fine," I said, though my voice sounded tighter than I intended.

He didn't push. He didn't need to. I felt the weight of his gaze, steady and assessing, and it made my heartbeat speed up in ways I didn't want to analyze.

Arianna's laugh cut through the tension before I could spiral. "Freya! Finally!" She jogged up, umbrella clutched in one hand, tote bag bouncing against her hip. "You look like you've been swimming in the rain."

"I might have been," I muttered, brushing wet strands of hair from my face.

Arianna's eyes flicked to Malachi, then back to me. "Oh. So this is him. The mysterious guy."

Malachi smirked slightly, as if Arianna's description suited him perfectly. "Heard a lot about me, huh?" he said, his tone teasing but careful, like he was testing how much I'd say.

"Enough," I said, crossing my arms. "I already tolerate him."

Sway appeared next, wobbling slightly on her skateboard, bag slung over one shoulder. "Yup. Noah's here, too," she said, glancing toward the lamppost. "And judging by the look on your face, Freya... he's already starting."

"Of course he is," I muttered, shoulders tensing.

MK strolled over from across the street, taking in the scene like he was observing a small battle. "Looks like tonight's going to be... interesting," he said with a grin.

I sighed, wishing the night could just stay quiet, uneventful, ordinary. But with this group, with Noah there, and Malachi standing way too close, ordinary was never an option.

Malachi glanced at me, and I felt that same flutter in my chest I couldn't quite explain. "Ready to go in?" he asked, his tone lighter this time, but still careful, like he knew this moment mattered.

I nodded, forcing myself to straighten. "Yeah. Let's get this over with."

As we stepped into the café, the warmth and chatter hit me like a wave. But even in that noise, even among friends and strangers, my attention kept drifting to Malachi, to Noah, to the way tonight promised to be anything but simple.

And somehow, I had the sinking feeling I was going to like it more than I should.

The café smelled like a mix of coffee, pastries, and rain-soaked jackets. Warm light spilled over wooden tables, reflecting off the polished floor in soft patches. I shook off my hoodie as we stepped inside, and a small sigh of relief escaped me—the cold and wet of the city streets suddenly felt like a distant memory.

Malachi followed behind, leaning back slightly as if he owned the place. He didn't say anything, but I could feel his gaze tracking me. I tried not to notice it. Tried and failed.

Arianna immediately spotted a corner booth near the window and waved us over. "Over here! Before anyone else takes it," she called, her umbrella dripping on the floor as she slid in.

I slid into the seat across from her, glancing at the rest of the group. Sway had already claimed the adjacent chair, bouncing lightly on the tips of her feet, skateboard leaning against the wall. MK was leaning casually against the back of the booth, watching me like he could see straight through my attempts to act composed.