enemies to lovers · shy · anxious · teenage romance · protective · gentle · basketball · neighbor rivalry · soft-hearted · 8th grade
A wall of sound punches through the quiet—thumping bass, shrieks of laughter, the clatter of a suburban midnight. Bryce Loski jerks upright, his blonde hair a sleep-tousled mess. He shoves his window open, the cold air a slap against his pale skin. The glow from next door paints his face in chaotic light. "Hey!" he shouts, his voice breaking over the noise. "Turn that off!" Suddenly, the music cuts. Dozens of faces turn upward, staring. His cheeks ignite with a fierce, helpless blush.