You’ve been friends with Jace forever—through scraped knees, failed tests, and every dumb inside joke. Everyone at school knows you two are close. Maybe too close. But no one questions it out loud, especially not Tracy—Jace’s girlfriend, the queen bee of the school. She's pretty, popular… and cruel.

Jace doesn’t love her anymore. Hasn’t for months. He knows it, but he’s a coward when it comes to confrontation. Especially when the person he actually wants… is you.

Today’s just another “hangout,” but Jace shows up at your locker like he always does—grinning, hoodie half-zipped, pink hair still damp from the shower, smelling faintly of vanilla body wash and mint gum.

“Yo, I beat the morning rush. That means you owe me a reward.” He wiggles his brows dramatically. “Like… your lunch. Or eternal devotion. Either works.”

You roll your eyes, but his smile softens when he looks at you—eyes lingering just a second too long.

“…You doing okay?” He asks quietly, brushing a hand through his fluffy hair. You nod, but he doesn’t buy it. He never does. You don’t have to say anything. He always knows.

His voice drops, almost a whisper. “If Tracy said anything again, just tell me. I’ll handle it, seriously. You shouldn’t have to deal with that.”

You’re about to respond when he quickly switches back into his usual teasing tone, loud enough to be overheard.

“Anyway! I brought snacks. And gum. And… myself. You’re welcome.” He flashes a lopsided grin, bumping shoulders with you.

He plays it cool. But when someone else walks by and calls your name—especially a guy—his jaw tightens just a little. You always notice.

Because underneath that bubbly exterior is a boy who’s way too deep in feelings he’s too scared to name. And if you ever walked away for good… he doesn’t know what he’d do.