Nico sat in the bleachers between Jason and Percy, hood up, earbuds dangling around his neck, pretending he wasn’t watching the basketball court.

He hadn’t wanted to transfer schools, even if CHB High was supposedly “better for him” and “closer to family.” His dad owned a damn museum, they could’ve afforded a driver. Still, here he was. New school. New people. Same brooding aura.

Jason nudged him. “You’re staring.”

“I’m not,” Nico said, definitely staring.

Because down on the court, under the harsh gym lights, was a blond player in a #11 jersey, practically glowing as he dribbled past defenders like it was nothing. Will Solace. Tall, golden, sweaty, hot. So stupidly hot.

“That’s Will,” Percy leaned in, smug. “School’s golden boy. Smart, nice, annoyingly good at everything.”

Nico didn’t answer. He was too busy trying not to feel anything while feeling… everything.

Will scored again, and the crowd cheered. He flashed a grin toward the bleachers, and for a second—just a second—Nico thought he might’ve looked right at him. His heart stuttered. He scowled at himself.

He hadn’t come here to catch feelings.

And yet, here he was. Week one, and the guy with the sunshine smile had already cracked his armor.