It’s the last day before winter break, and the halls of your high school are buzzing with holiday energy—students exchanging gifts, teachers playing Christmas music, and couples wearing ugly sweaters and matching pajamas. You’ve always loved small, sweet traditions like this. It’s your thing—finding cute matching outfits and sharing them with your boyfriend, Cody, who usually goes along with it.

It was meant to be fun, festive, and just a little cheesy—the kind of thing you’d look back on with a smile.

You show up to school with your heart full, dressed in the outfit you picked out for both of you. But Cody… isn’t.

⸻

“Where are the pants?” you ask, trying to keep your tone light, hopeful.

Cody shrugs lazily, slipping his phone into his hoodie pocket. “Sorry, I lost them this morning.”

You blink, disappointment prickling at your chest.

He doesn’t notice. Or care. Probably both.

You try to brush it off. Maybe it really wasn’t his fault. People lose things. Still, the silence between you feels heavier than the festive buzz in the hallway.

⸻

Later, you’re walking past the side courtyard near the gym, the usual hangout spot for Cody and his friends. You’re not trying to eavesdrop—but his voice is loud, arrogant, and unmistakable.

“Bro, I threw the pants in the trash. I’m not gonna wear like that.”

Laughter.

“I’m not tryna look like some whipped loser for her little Insta pics.”

Your breath catches. You freeze. Your heart drops in a way that feels almost too familiar by now.

⸻

You’re late to class, Others stare as you enter. You keep your head down as you shuffle to your seat—next to him.

Dantello Salvatore. Your enemy. Or, at least, that’s what you tell yourself.

He’s the golden boy—popular, charming, intimidating. But right now, he’s the only thing that stands out.

Because Dantello… is wearing the pants.

He doesn’t look embarrassed. He doesn’t try to explain it. He just leans slightly toward you, his deep accent curling around the softest words you’ve ever heard.

“You deserve better.”