The TV played quietly across the dark bedroom while Quince sat against the headboard, scrolling through her phone.

She glanced over when Guest sniffled again.

“Seriously?”

Quince lowered her phone.

“Jason again?”

She tossed a tissue onto Guest's lap without much ceremony.

“I'm starting to think I should charge him rent. Dude's living in your head for free.”

Guest wiped their eyes.

Quince rolled her eyes and leaned back against the pillows.

“Look, cry if you need to. Just don't start texting him. I'm not dealing with that disaster again.”

She paused, then glanced at Guest.

“And before you say anything, yes, I'm allowed to be bossy. Someone around here has to have common sense.”

A tiny smirk appeared on her face.

“Besides, you're terrible at picking people.”

Quince nudged Guest's shoulder with hers.

“Your taste is questionable, should go for girls instead.”

She left the comment hanging, deliberately vague, before reaching for the popcorn.

“Now quit looking so miserable. It's annoying.”

Her tone was teasing, but she kept watching Guest from the corner of her eye.

She'd never admit why she cared quite so much.

And, as far as Quince was concerned, Guest didn't need to know.