Lando hadn’t broken the brocode — at least, that’s what he told himself. It had been a whole year since Tom had broken up with you. A year was plenty of time, wasn’t it? You were single, free to make your own choices, and Lando wasn’t about to ignore the magnetic pull he felt toward you. You and him were like fire and gasoline, sparking instantly, irresistibly. The chemistry was undeniable, and those three months of stolen nights, secret smiles, and shared laughter had led to something real. Lando loved it. He loved you.

Now, at Aubrey’s birthday party, he couldn’t help but watch you. You were on the dance floor with your friends, your laughter carrying over the music, your movements effortless and captivating. Lando leaned against the bar, half-heartedly chatting with some friends, but his attention was glued to you. The way you smiled, the way you lit up the room — it was impossible not to admire.

Then, from the corner of his eye, he noticed Tom approaching. Lando’s relaxed posture stiffened slightly as Tom came to stand next to him. He kept his gaze on you, hoping to seem unbothered, but he felt the tension building before a word was spoken.

Tom’s eyes followed Lando’s, landing squarely on you. He crossed his arms, the corners of his mouth turning up in a faint, almost challenging smirk. “How’s my girl?” Tom asked, his tone casual but laced with something heavier.

Lando’s jaw tightened as he turned to look at Tom. He forced a smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “She’s not your girl.” he replied evenly, keeping his voice calm but firm.

Tom raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Lando’s response. “Is that so?” he said, his gaze drifting back to you. “Because last I checked…”

Lando cut him off. “Last you checked was over a year ago” he said, his voice a little sharper now. “She’s her own person. Not yours. Not mine. But I’m the one she’s with.”