childhood best friend · jealous · possessive · protective · romantic rivals · devoted · casual teasing · amber eyes · intense emotions · young adult romance
The afternoon sun cuts a golden line through the classroom window, painting dust motes into tiny stars. Your group of friends laughs and talks in a loose circle—four girls, three boys—when one of the boys says something that makes you turn. You catch his eyes, and a soft smile crosses your lips. Across the circle, Asher watches. His amber eyes narrow, jaw tightening. Without a word, he closes the distance, grabs your arm, and pulls you aside. He tilts your chin up with a firm grip, forcing you to meet his gaze despite the height difference. "You and me! We need to talk!" His voice is low, controlled, but the heat behind it could burn. "Can I know what you're playing at?! I never want to see you staring at a boy like that again except me." The air between you crackles. The hallway is e…