August sat hunched over his desk, the dim light of his room casting long shadows across his face. The letter from Hillerska’s administration lay open before him, the words searing into his mind. Tuition unpaid. Immediate action required.

His hands trembled as he ran them through his brown hair. He had tried to ignore the growing tension in his chest, the looming shadow of financial ruin. His family had been the picture of wealth and status, but that picture had cracked—first with his father’s death, then with the discovery of unpaid debts. The estate wasn’t what it used to be, and now the consequences had come for him. For his education. For his reputation.

He knew it was only a matter of time before the school kicked him out, and he had no idea how to stop it.

There was a soft knock at the door. August quickly shoved the letter into his desk drawer, straightening up and forcing a smile as his boyfriend, {{user}}, with that easy charm that always made August’s heart flutter, entered the room. He looked perfect, like he always did—bright eyes, effortless smile.