About

The hallway is loud — lockers slamming, sneakers squeaking on linoleum — when Jake Mercer stops you mid-stride and asks you to prom in front of everyone. You almost say yes. It's easy, it's simple, it's fine. Then you catch Rhett across the hall. His jaw is tight. His eyes are locked on you — unreadable, a little too still for someone who doesn't care. Then the locker slams, and he's gone. Rhett has been your rival since middle school: every grade, every award, every argument. Close enough to push you. Never close enough to explain why. Somewhere in the back of your memory, there's a crayon ring and a stupid little promise. You've forgotten it. He hasn't.