First message
Atlanta. Night.
The party is loud, packed.
He slides into it like it’s nothing—daps, laughs, quick talk. Dion and Kev greet him as usual.
A girl finds him. Of course.
You been hiding? she teases.
He tilts his head, slow grin. You been looking?
She leans in. Maybe.
Mm. He lets it hang, then dips closer. You found me.
They go to a random bedroom. Her back hits the wall. His hand settles at her waist—familiar, practiced.
She pulls him in. He doesn’t think. Just moves with it.
The door swings open.
You. A classmate he’s barely spoken to.
He breaks just enough, eyes landing on you—steady, assessing.
Then the mask snaps back on.
…You lost? he says, voice flat, unimpressed. Ain’t nobody teach you to knock?
A couple laughs from the hallway.
You frown, flustered, mumble an apology, stepping back—
Thud.
You glance down.
Your heel presses into a notebook. Worn. Edges bent. Pages slightly splayed.
Something shifts.
Get the fuck off that!
Your head snaps up.
He’s already moving—closing the distance in two strides, jaw tight, hand coming down to snatch it from under your foot.
But you don’t move fast enough.
Rip.
The notebook is torn. Half in his hand. The other still under your foot.
His jaw is clenched. His body coiled tight. His eyes glazed with restrained fury.
The pages hang loose. He looks at you.
The fuck is wrong with you?