Mag-log inZAIRE'S POVI was on top of the world when I arrived at school that morning. I looked like money. I smelt like money. It was just a good fucking day. I had the whole student body going crazy as I walked down the middle of the hallway like I owned the place. I practically spun around with my arms wide open, showing off, before throwing a wink at a group of nerdy girls standing by their lockers.They practically melted, screaming and giggling like they'd just seen their favorite celebrity.I laughed, shaking my head. "Good morning to you too, ladies!"One of them covered her mouth while her friend grabbed her arm, looking like she was about to faint.Damn. I really had that effect on people.I continued walking, adjusting my jacket and occasionally greeting people who called my name."Happy birthday, Zai!""Looking fresh, bro!""Where's the party tonight?"I grinned, pointing at the last guy. "That's classified information, my boy."He laughed.There was no damn party, but I could pr
ZAIRE'S POVI groaned, slowly waking up when I heard my phone ringing on the dressing table beside my bed.I wanted to be fucking annoyed. Who wouldn't? But apparently, when you're in a relationship, you have to accept the fact that they can call you at any hour of the night, even when you're fast asleep.And I already knew who it was. The ringtone, Something Special by Pop Smoke was only set for one person.I reached for my phone, dropped back against the pillow, and placed it against my ear. "Babe?""Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Zaire. Happy birthday to you!"I smiled, closing my eyes as I listened to him sing. His voice was still rough with sleep, and he wasn't exactly the best singer in the world, but I didn't care."Thank you, baby," I mumbled."You're welcome, birthday boy."I chuckled. "What time is it?""Midnight.""No shit, Sherlock."He laughed. "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.""Someone woke me up in the middle of the nigh
ZAIRE'S POVTwo months later..."That brings us to the end of today's session." Dr. Magnus closed the file on his desk and looked at me with a gentle smile. "How are you feeling?"I sighed and leaned back in my chair."Like I'm not carrying the whole fucking world on my shoulders anymore." I shrugged. "Obviously, it's still a work in progress, but I don't feel like crashing out every five seconds. That counts for something, right?"Dr. Magnus chuckled. "It certainly does.""Yeah." I smiled. "Those anger management classes you recommended have actually helped. I'm learning a lot about myself.""I'm glad to hear that, Zaire. And what about your parents? How have things been going with them?"I took a moment to think about it."Well, we've been having family sessions for the past few weeks. They finally got the chance to explain their side of the story, and I got to tell them how I felt about everything.""And how did that go?""Honestly? It wasn't easy." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I
SEBASTIAN'S POVI was sitting on the couch, facing the balcony and staring out at the waves crashing into each other when I noticed Zaire starting to stir. I quickly put my phone down and rushed to his side, almost tripping over the mat on my way.Stupid-ass mat.I caught myself before I could fall flat on my face and turned my attention back to him.Zaire slowly opened his eyes, and I winced at the sight of them. They were red, swollen, and looked painfully sore.My poor baby.He blinked a few times, looking around the room like he couldn't remember where he was. Then his eyes landed on me."Hey," I said softly.He stared at me for a moment before rubbing his face with both hands. "What time is it?"His voice was rough and hoarse, like it hurt just to speak. "Almost noon."His eyes widened slightly as he sat up. "Fuck. I've been sleeping that long?""Yeah. You needed it."He ran a hand through his locs, then looked away from me. He seemed uncomfortable, and I couldn't blame him. The
SEBASTIAN'S POVAfter Zaire fell asleep, I went downstairs to the kitchen to get some water.I opened the fridge, took out a bottle, and drank a few gulps before sitting on one of the stools by the counter. I rested my elbows on the counter and buried my face in my hands.I felt so fucking sad, angry, and frustrated.There was nothing more painful than watching someone you loved suffer and not knowing how to make things better.I hated feeling so helpless. I hated knowing that Zaire was hurting so badly and there was nothing I could do to take that pain away.All I could do was hold him while he cried, and even that didn't feel like enough."Hey."I lifted my head and saw Mom walking toward me. She was wearing a long purple silk robe and a pair of white, fluffy slippers.She came up beside me and draped an arm over my shoulders, gently rubbing my arm."How is he?" she asked.I sighed and leaned into her. "He just fell asleep.""Okay." She gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. "And how ar
SEBASTIAN'S POV"HA! I FUCKING WON!"Maggie threw her hands into the air, laughing like she'd just won the damn lottery.I stared at the board in disbelief. "You cheated.""Boy, shut your sore-loser ass up," she said, reaching for the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table."I didn't lose. You cheated."Dad burst out laughing from the armchair beside Mom, who was shaking her head with an amused smile."Seb, son, just accept defeat. There's no shame in losing to your sister."I slowly turned toward him. "You literally helped her five minutes ago.""I did no such thing.""You told her to buy that property!""It's called strategy." Dad shrugged, looking far too pleased with himself.I rolled my eyes.This was exactly why I hated playing board games with my family. Nobody ever played fairly, and somehow, I was always the bad guy whenever I called them out on their bullshit.Mom leaned forward and began gathering the pieces. "All right, enough arguing. Who wants another round?""Not me," I sa
ZAIRE’S POV"Coach is going to give us hell again today at practice. I can almost feel it," Reggie groaned, and I could almost see him replaying in his head all the torture we have been going through at practice these past two days."I mean, he's still pissed off about what went down at the bonfire
SEBASTIAN’S POVPresent time….."Gosh, you got it so bad for this guy, ain't you?" Maggie chuckled, scrolling through the pictures on my laptop. "You literally have a folder full of his photos. Oh my god, Seb!""Shut up," I groaned, burying my face into my pillow as I felt the warmth quickly gather
ZAIRE’S POVTwo years ago…I was fuming, my hands balled into fists as I busted through the doors of the arcade, with Jasper and Reggie hot on my tail. This was the place I knew I was most likely going to find that piece of shit. My heart was beating so fast in my chest, and the rage surging throug
SEBASTIAN’S POV "So you are a football player too, and you are still in high school?"Kai asked me as he leaned further into me. I let my arm drape loosely around his shoulder. I grinned, looking down at him."Yeah. What? Does me being a high schooler turn you off?" "What? No. I don't care if







