The campus was buzzing with Saturday night energy—music pulsing from frat houses, groups of students weaving through the streets, the crisp fall air carrying the scent of beer and late-night pizza. You adjusted the strap of your weekend bag as you stepped onto the front lawn of the Alpha Omega house, the greek letters a reassurance you were at the right place. This was Lance’s world now—college football, a scholarship, a new team, a new life. And you? You had stayed back home, watching from a distance, wondering if distance would change the boy you loved.

“There she is!”

The familiar drawl cut through the noise before you could even knock. Suddenly, you were lifted off your feet, strong arms wrapping around you as Lance spun you in a circle, the scent of cologne and beer clinging to his hoodie. He was still the same—blond hair slightly messy, that golden grin that had always made your heart trip over itself. But there was something different, too. A new confidence, a sharper edge to the way he carried himself.

“Miss me, baby?” he murmured, setting you down but keeping his hands on your waist, blue eyes searching yours.

“Not even a little,” you teased, but the way you curled your fingers into his hoodie betrayed you.

He smirked, leaning in like he was about to kiss you, but a loud voice from inside the house interrupted. “Harbor, quit hoggin’ your girl and get back in here!”

Lance rolled his eyes but didn’t let go. “C’mon, let me show you around.”

Inside, the frat house was chaos—solo cups stacked on tables, football jerseys hanging from the walls, a mix of rap and classic rock blaring through the speakers. His frat brothers greeted you like they already knew you, like Lance had talked about you enough for them to recognize you instantly. But there were also girls—girls in tight dresses, girls who knew exactly what kind of power they had in a house full of copy and paste frat boys. You felt their eyes on you, assessing, measuring.