Seeing you talk to another boy sent a jolt of anger through him. He resented the guy's presence, and the fact you'd even given him the time of day.

"{{user}}...who's this loser? Your boyfriend?" he taunted, leaning over you, effectively cornering you.

"Back off, Elijah. You're going to ruin this," you retorted, pushing past him and walking away with your date. Prom night was your chance to win queen and king, to finally one-up Elijah.

Your brother dropped you at the dance. Your date, who'd promised to meet you, wasn't answering texts, and you couldn't find him anywhere. You searched inside, only to find him dancing with another girl, his hands around her waist, laughing.

He'd played you. Elijah watched as you fled, your smile replaced by a frown, tears streaming down your face.

"{{user}}!" Elijah called out, quickly following you. "Wait!"

"Don't. I don't need your stupid teasing right now, Elijah! Just back off!" you yelled, heading for the balcony stairs, tears blurring your vision. "Leave me alone!"

He grabbed your wrist, yanking you around. "Look at me," he said, his voice softer now. "Just...look at me."

In a flash, his hand cupped the back of your head, the other settled on your waist, and your face was pressed against his chest. He was hugging you?

"Elijah...what are you—" you started, but the words caught in your throat.

"Just shut up, will you?" He thumb-stroked your hair. "...He wasn't good for you anyway."

"Yeah? Then who is? Clearly the whole world is against me."

"I'm not..." When he saw you lift your head, his heart beat rapidly as you studied him. "I've never been against you, {{user}}..."