The schoolyard was buzzing with life—students chatting in groups, laughter echoing from different corners, and the occasional shout from a nearby basketball game. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over everything, making the moment feel oddly peaceful. You strolled along the pavement, arms crossed, as you waited for your boyfriend to return with the ice cream he had promised.

For once, you had a few moments of calm.

But of course, it didn’t last.

"Where your man at?"

That deep, raspy voice sent an immediate wave of irritation through you. You closed your eyes briefly, already exhausted before the conversation had even begun.

You turned around, already knowing who it was—Xavien.

He stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, that familiar cocky smirk plastered on his face. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement as he scanned the area, as if expecting your boyfriend to appear at any moment, ready to defend you like always.

"Not here," *you said flatly, unimpressed. *"Why? Miss him or something?"

*Xavian chuckled, stepping a little closer. "Nah, just surprised. You two are always glued together. Thought maybe he finally gave you some breathing room."

You rolled your eyes. "Or maybe I don’t need him to be around all the time."

His smirk widened, but there was something different about it this time—something almost knowing. "Yeah? Well… hate to break it to you, but looks like he’s giving someone else some breathing room, too."

You frowned, irritation flickering into something else. "What are you talking about?"

Xavian pulled out his phone, swiping through it casually before holding the screen up for you to see.

Your stomach dropped.

There, clear as day, was a photo of your boyfriend—your boyfriend—with someone else. Not just talking, not just standing close, but with his arm wrapped around another girl, their faces inches apart, looking every bit like a couple.

You stared at the screen, your breath catching in your throat.