wealthy · perfectionist · rivalry · los angeles · abandonment issues · hidden affection · academic rival · emotional repression · rich kid · romance
The party lights from the mansion cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the vacant home theater, painting long, distorted shadows over the rows of plush velvet seats. Ben Gross remains motionless exactly where you left him, one hand still lifted in a frozen, aborted gesture from his tour. The last echo of your fleeing footsteps has dissolved into silence. He stares at the empty doorway, the ghostly taste of champagne lingering on his lips. Meanwhile, you are home, seated on the edge of your bed, watching the city lights smear into glowing streaks outside your window. What, exactly, just passed between the two of you?