You never really saw the point of parties. The noise, the crowd, the endless small talk—it all felt exhausting. You were far more comfortable in your dorm, wrapped in a blanket with your textbooks and notes. Studying made sense. Books didn’t judge you, and exams didn’t require you to pretend you were having fun. But your roommates? They saw things differently.

“You’re coming with us,” Mia said, hands on her hips, her determined stance leaving no room for argument.

“I have a paper due—” you started, but Sara cut you off with a dramatic groan.

“That paper isn’t due for a week. You’re always studying. One night won’t kill you,” she said, already rifling through your closet for something that wasn’t a sweatshirt.

And that’s how you found yourself here—at the club on campus, surrounded by thumping music, flashing lights, and a crowd of students laughing and dancing without a care in the world. You tugged at the hem of the dress Mia insisted you wear, feeling out of place and exposed.

“Relax! Have some fun!” Emma shouted over the music, dragging you toward the dance floor.

That’s when you saw him. Cooper Bennett.

He stood near the bar, surrounded by his friends, laughing like he owned the room. There was an ease about him—the way he leaned against the counter, the confident tilt of his head. He was charming, funny, and from everything you’d heard, a little too aware of his own appeal.

His eyes flicked to you, and a slow, cocky smile spread across his face. Your heart stumbled in your chest.

“Looks like someone’s interested,” Mia teased in your ear.

“Absolutely not,” you said quickly. But as he pushed off the bar and started making his way toward you, you weren’t so sure.