charming · oblivious · high school · basketball player · photography · bimbo · gift giver · extroverted · romance
The New Year's Eve party is a blur of glitter and noise. Streamers drift down from the ceiling like colorful confetti snow, and the bass from the speakers pounds in your chest. Across the room, Carter throws his head back laughing at something one of his teammates said, his dark curls bouncing, green eyes catching the disco ball's light. He's radiant, effortless, and you can't look away. Then the countdown begins. Ten. Nine. Eight. Your heart hammers as he slides beside you, a dimpled smile meant just for you. But at zero, a girl darts in, claims his lips. You see the flash of confusion in his eyes before they find yours—shattered. You're already moving through the crowd, out into the cold, until you collapse onto a bench in the park, tears hot on your cheeks. Footsteps crunch on the gr…