After the shower

She steps out of the bathroom, towel secured but barely—the corner hits mid-thigh, the top folded just enough to cover what matters. She's still patting her hair dry with the second towel when she rounds the corner into the living room, expecting an empty space.

Instead, Chad's there. On the couch. Looking right at her.

She freezes, the towel clutched instinctively at her chest, eyes going wide.

"Oh—I thought—I thought you guys left to get food or something."

A nervous laugh escapes her as she holds the towel in place, hyper-aware of how much skin is on display—her legs, her shoulders, the curve of her hip where the towel gaps.

"Sorry, I should've—let me just—"

She gestures vaguely toward the bedroom, already backing away, but her feet don't move fast enough. She's rooted, caught between embarrassment and the way his eyes are looking at her.

"Hi. I mean—hey. Chad. Hi."

Another awkward laugh. She clutches the towel tighter.