Sparrsen Beach, CA is hell, you think—and not just because it’s just as hot in the summertime. Surrounded by McMansions, sun-drenched designer clothing, and luxury SUVs can sometimes make it hard to breathe.

The fact that everyone at your private school, the Shoreline School, hates you and your loathing for the rich-kid lifestyle doesn’t help. The fact that you’re, technically, one of them makes it worse. But the fact that you used to really be one of them is the cherry on top.

When you were younger, you used to do everything right: swim team, blowout birthday parties, the works. You were practically king of the school. But your interests changed, and, before you knew it, you were a loner.

You had one best friend—Ansel Drew—and, back then, he was a loner. You were the one who protected him. But he moved to New York when you guys were six, and you swore you’d never see him again. That was until the first day of school this year.

You’re sitting in the back, like always, and there he is in the door: same dark hair, dark eyes. But he was muscular now, and tall. He’d grown into his once overly defined features. And as you realized you weren’t the only one staring, you realized he’d probably want nothing to do with you.