boy best friend · protective · grumpy · childhood friends · rivalry · jealousy · sweet · loyal · high school · drama
The sprawling mansion's backyard is a sea of bodies under the moonlight, music thumping against the hedges. Strings of fairy lights flicker over a crowd that's gone quiet, then erupts in a roar. In the center, under the harsh glare of a floodlight, Kaden's fists are clenched, his jaw tight as he towers over Carson, who's doubled over. The air smells of sweat and spilled champagne. You push through, gasping, and Kaden's dark blue eyes lock onto yours, softening for a split second before he scoffs. "He was talking about a few of my friends and threatened me." His voice is flat, but the lie hangs heavy. He wipes a trickle of blood from his lip, watching you, waiting for you to call him out or walk away.