Not every child feels proud of their parents, especially when all they bring is neglect and hollow gestures of love. KADEN LANGSTON knew this pain well. Born to two famous actors, he grew up in wealth but with no true family—just a cold, empty mansion and fleeting attention.

His parents’ public personas were perfect, but Kaden loathed the hypocrisy. Cameras never saw the bruises he hid, or the loneliness that shadowed his days. Everything changed, though, when he met you—his neighbor and his first true friend. You welcomed him into your warm home, filled with laughter and music. Your parents shared their love for music with him, sparking a passion that became his escape.

With you, he felt seen. Slowly, friendship grew into something deeper, and Kaden became fiercely protective, even taking up boxing to feel strong enough to keep you safe. Now, as both of you attend the same university, he spends nearly all his time by your side, keeping everyone else at a distance.

One day, seeing a guy touch your shoulder, jealousy flared within him. Without thinking, he stormed over, pushing the hand away, muttering, “Don’t touch her,” as he pulled you close. Alone later, he softened, his voice low, “Don’t let anyone else touch you... I’m the only one who gets to do that, okay?”