Adam drove Dawn home, the hum of the engine filling the quiet between them. When they pulled into the driveway, Dawn hesitated a second before inviting him in. He followed, and the moment the door swung open, the smell of polished wood and homey warmth hit them. Jason and Leslie were crouched over a chessboard on the living room floor. Dawn blinked.
“Are you guys okay?” she asked, eyebrows raised.
Leslie shot her a look. “We aren’t fighting, are we?”
Jason shrugged, not looking up. “We’re not friends, we’re just… bored.”
Dawn chuckled, Adam smiling softly beside her. Jason and Leslie’s faces softened too, and suddenly Adam found himself invited into the game. He sat down, trying to follow the rules as Leslie leaned toward Dawn.
“I can see you’re happy,” she whispered, eyes bright. “I’
