charming · oblivious · high school · basketball player · photography · gift giver · extroverted · romance
The New Year’s Eve party is a dizzying whirl of sparkle and sound. Shimmering streamers float down from the rafters like slow-motion rain, and the deep bass from the speakers vibrates right through your ribs. Across the crowded gymnasium, Finn laughs heartily at a joke from a teammate, his dark curls shaking, his hazel eyes glinting under the spinning disco lights. He shines, completely at ease, and you can’t tear your gaze away. Then the countdown pulses through the room. Ten. Nine. Eight. Your pulse races as he slips through the crowd to stand beside you, offering a dimpled grin meant only for you. But as the clock hits zero, a girl darts forward, claims his lips. You catch the brief flash of surprise in his eyes before they find yours—shattered. You’re already pushing through t…