“Are you sure this is Kelvin?” Dave asked, turning to Rihanna.

“Of course he’s Kelvin. Kelvin Cullen,” she replied, stressing the name.

The surname tugged at something in Dave’s memory. Cullen? No. It couldn’t be the Cullen he knew.

“You must be mistaken about those nice things you said,” Dave said flatly.

“Why?” Rihanna asked.

“He’s the guy I told you about—the one who scratched my car,” Dave snapped.

Rihanna frowned. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, of course I’m sure. He’s not nice at all. You should take those words back.” Dave scoffed. “He’s nothing but a bitch.”

“Don’t say that,” Rihanna warned quietly. “If someone hears you, you’ll be scolded.”

“I’m already pissed enough. Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Dave muttered.

Rihanna hesitated, then nodded and followed him away. Before leaving, Dave shot Kelvin one last glare—pure venom. If looks could kill, Kelvin would’ve been buried six feet under.

“Fuck off,” Dave mouthed as he walked away.

Kelvin’s eyes flicked to his lips. He caught every word.

“So… he’s not who we thought he was?” Rihanna asked as they moved down the corridor.

“No,” Dave replied sharply. “He’s rude, mannerless, and dangerous on top of it. Stay away from him.”

---

After two more lectures, Dave finally went home, irritation clinging to him like a second skin. The fact that the asshole he’d met that morning attended the same university made his blood boil.

At home, he took a quick bath, pulled on an oversized pink hoodie that fell just above his knees, combed his hair, and went downstairs to pour himself a bowl of cereal.

His parents weren’t coming home again tonight. That made it two days now. The thought annoyed him—though a small part of him felt relieved knowing the Cullens had invited him for dinner. At least he wouldn’t be alone. Maybe he’d even sleep over.

When it was time to leave, Dave glanced at his outfit and shrugged. He was only going next door. No point changing.

He stepped out and crossed to the Cullens’ house, pressing the bell twice. The door opened almost immediately.

A wide, warm smile greeted him—Mrs. Rebecca.

“Oh, dear,” she cooed. “Look how pretty you are. So cute. I’m sure your child will be just as adorable as you.” She pinched his cheek gently and pulled him inside.

Dave said nothing, only smiled and let himself be dragged in.

“I made something very special today, just for you,” she said, leading him toward the dining room.

The moment Dave stepped fully inside, he froze.

The house was beautiful.

From the outside, it looked dull, almost neglected—cold, unwelcoming. But inside was an entirely different world. Elegant furniture, warm lighting, rich colors, tasteful décor. The contrast was startling, almost mysterious.

Dave was captivated by the warmth of it. He never would’ve imagined the interior could be this stunning.

“Dave, how are you doing?” Mr. Haymen asked, descending the stairs.

“I’m good, sir. And you?” Dave replied politely.

“Quite well. I hope our home feels welcoming enough?”

“Yes, sir,” Dave said with genuine admiration. “It really does.”

“My son will be joining us shortly,” Mr. Haymen added, taking a seat opposite him.

“I’d love to meet him,” Dave said with a smile.

Rebecca served the food, fussing over Dave more than anyone else. She adored him—it was obvious.

They were mid-conversation when a voice sounded behind him.

“You must be Dave, right?”

Something about the voice made Dave’s stomach drop. It was familiar. Too familiar.

He turned.

His eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets as the figure stepped closer to the table.

No. No, no, no. This can’t be happening.

“You must be Dave, right?” the guy repeated when Dave didn’t respond.

“Y—yes,” Dave managed. “I’m Dave.”

“I’m Kelvin. Nice to meet you.”

Kelvin extended his hand, polite, casual. Dave hesitated before shaking it. Then Kelvin did something deliberate—slowly tracing a single finger in a small circle at the center of Dave’s palm.

A shiver crawled up Dave’s spine.

He yanked his hand back sharply. Kelvin smirked.

“Dave, this is our son, Kelvin,” Rebecca said cheerfully. “I hope you two get along.”

“Of course, Mom,” Kelvin replied smoothly, taking the seat beside Dave. “I’ll treat him very well.”

Why is he acting like we’ve never met? Dave thought angrily. Like everything’s fine between us?

“I’ve heard so much about you from my mom,” Kelvin said, eyes roaming shamelessly over Dave. “You really are cute.”

His gaze lingered on Dave’s lap for a few seconds before lifting again.

“I heard you attend the same university,” Rebecca said happily. “That’s wonderful. Kelvin can look after you.”

Dave forced an awkward smile.

“I’ll take very good care of him,” Kelvin said—and then his hand came down on Dave’s lap, pressing firmly.

Dave sucked in a sharp breath.

Kelvin blinked, momentarily surprised at how fast the skin beneath his palm flushed red.

“He’s really fragile,” Kelvin murmured, eyes flicking between the reddened lap and Dave’s face. “I’ll have to be extra careful.”

Dave felt like strangling him. Is this guy insane?

He tugged his hoodie down to cover his lap.

Kelvin smirked again.

The gods truly hated him. First, this bastard went to the same school. Second—he was the son of the people living next door.

Argh. This is so frustrating, Dave screamed internally.