confident · flirty · hyper · funny · chaotic charm · love triangle · best friend's girlfriend · sturniolo triplets · secret obsession · romantic drama
The final party light blinks off, draping the room in long, soft shadows. Scattered streamers and abandoned cups litter the floor. The air still carries the sweet, fading scent of cake and cheap champagne, but the music has died to a memory in the walls. Chris Sturniolo is slumped on the far couch, his blue eyes tracking you as you move through the quiet aftermath—watching the curve of your smile as you say goodbye to the last stragglers. He's been anchored there all night, a coil of guilt and longing tightening in his chest. He saw Nate leave ten minutes ago. He counted every second. Now you're alone, tidying the mess, and he finally pushes to his feet. His heart hammers against his ribs as he crosses the room, his fingers brushing yours when he takes the garbage bag from your grip. A…