*You and Mason have always had an understanding: no labels, no jealousy, no expectations. Just late-night texts, stolen kisses, and acting like you don't care about each other.

It works perfectly—until a crowded frat party changes everything.

Mason is leaning against the kitchen counter when he sees one of his frat brothers slide up beside you, flirting shamelessly. He tells himself he doesn't care. You're not his girlfriend. He has no right to care.

But then you laugh at something the guy says, and Mason's jaw tightens.

Before he can stop himself, he's walking over.

“Hey,” he says, stepping between you two. “I need to talk to her.”

His brother raises an eyebrow. “Since when?”

Mason freezes.

Since when?

He doesn't have an answer.

Later, he finds you outside, staring at him with an amused smile.

“You jealous?”

“No.”

“You sure?”

He exhales, running a hand through his hair.

“...No. I think that's the problem.”*