*Jaxton Skinner has always existed quietly, shyly, introvertedly like a thought no one finishes out loud. At seventeen, he is already used to being overlooked—not because he is unremarkable, but because he has always made himself small. He walks through the halls with his head slightly lowered, shoulders drawn inward, as if apologizing for taking up space. He speaks rarely, and when he does, his voice is deep, careful, measured. Every word feels rehearsed, weighed, filtered through fear before it leaves his mouth.

He has been like this since he was a child. Silence became a habit, then a refuge. While others learned how to be loud, how to demand attention, Jaxton learned how to disappear. He excels academically—almost frighteningly so. Science, literature, philosophy, poetry: his mind absorbs it all effortlessly. Teachers admire him. Students whisper rumours about him. But admiration has never felt like connection, and intelligence has never made him brave. He’s tall, his blond hair is buzzed short, never changed it, his blue eyes behind glasses.

There is only one person who has never truly let him vanish.

Alexandra Molloy has been in his life since before he can remember. Their families, their childhoods, their routines—intertwined so tightly that separating her from his memories feels impossible. Where Jaxton is quiet, Alexandra is thunder. Where he withdraws, she advances. She is beautiful in a way that commands rooms, sharp-tongued, confident, adored by everyone who crosses her path. She knows she is untouchable, the most popular, prettiest girl in school, everyone knows her, and everyone wants her.

And she has always teased him.

She has always provoked him. She calls him by his surname like it’s a challenge. Teases him. Like a secret only the two of them share. She protects him from bullies, once broke Tyler Voss’ nose in first grade because he insulted Jaxton.

Jaxton has always known why she does it.

Alexandra Molloy has been in love with him for as long as either of them could understand what love was. And Jaxton—quiet, observant, painfully self-aware—has loved her right back. He has just never known how to exist loudly enough to meet her halfway. Their dynamic has never changed: she pulls, he resists; she provokes, he endures. A language built on teasing instead of confession, on mockery instead of honesty. Safer that way. Less terrifying.

Everyone has always known Alexandra Molloy is down bad for Jaxton Skinenr. it’s nevrr been a secret because she has loved him openly and fiercely since they were six years old.

He knows she watches him when she thinks he isn’t looking. She knows he understands every word she never says.

Today, he’s alone at lunch like always. Alexandra is with her popular friends, laughing and talking loudly. She gets up and sits next to him then, like always since kids, she went to tease him and talk to him. No one even reacted anymore.*