LOGINMeeting the Bad Boy
Miley’s POV Stepping outside into the balcony to admire the beautiful view I noticed a house that was next to ours. I had no idea that we had a next door neighbor and I hoped they didn’t realize that someone new had already moved in next door. I would hate for them to suddenly try to foster a familiar neighborly type relationship with us. I rested my hands on the railing as I looked closely into the other house noticing a tall looking guy standing shirtless as he played around with his dog. I was yet to see his face but I could make out his height from just looking at his back which looked really great by the way. I heard my name being called out by my mum as I left my room and going down the stairs to see what it was that she needed. “Mum? What is it?” I asked as I stepped into the living room only to see two strange people who had smiles on their faces. “Miley, meet our new neighbors. They came to welcome us into neighborhood. Isn’t that nice darling.” My mum said in excitement loving the welcoming gesture but I just shrugged nonchalantly at that. My eyes swept up to the girl who stood next to the lady. She seemed like she was my age and I couldn’t help but admire how beautiful she looked. Her skin was flawless and her hair shone brightly golden. I was suddenly aware of my looks and dull looking brown hair. She just smiled at me seeming intrigued to want to know me but i returned it with a blank look. I wasn’t interested in making any friends here. I didn’t need the baggage that came with it. “Hello, I’m Liv and this is my mum Patricia” the girl introduced bringing me out of my thoughts. “Nice to meet you, this is my daughter Miley and I’m Nora. Thanks so much for the warm welcome” my mother replied her as she collected the basket of muffins from her hands making me realize she actually was holding into a basket of delicious treats. “Would you love some tea? I’m so sorry about the mess, we just moved in not that long ago so we’re yet to arrange some things yet” my mum apologized sheepishly. “Oh it’s okay Nora, I would absolutely love some tea” the woman called Patricia answered. “Okay, could you please join me in the kitchen then. Miley be a darling and show liv aroind the house” my mum said giving me a look that said behave as I rolled my eyes at that. “You’re not really the social type are you” liv said suddenly getting my attention as I stared at her. “I’m guessing you are.” I replied “Yeah I am but I would honestly like to know you. You seem like a fun person to hang out with” she said with a bright smile causing me to stare at her suspiciously. What was her deal and trying to suddenly be friends with me. “Do you wanna see the house or not?” I asked simply ignoring her last words. “Of course, lead the way please” she replied politely. I walked away as she trailed behind me and looking around. “So how old are you?” She asks. “Seventeen” I said causing her to smile at that confusing me. “We’re the same age.” She said. “Okay..” I replied showing her the guest room. “So do you plan on transferring to Brixley high for the semester?” She asked curiously. “Yeah I guess, why? Do you go there?” I ask causing her to beam in delight. “Yeah I do.” “Okay..” I nodded. Our mums laughter echoed through the house causing her to smile at me as she spoke “It seems like both our mums are really hitting it off with each other, too bad you don’t like talking to me”. “I’m not the talking type that’s why” I said as I started to feel guilty for my uptight attitude. “I honestly would like us to be friends Miley. You seem cool for real and I know it must feel crazy suddenly moving here and I just wanted to be nice and welcoming to you but i understand if you’re not comfortable with being friends” she continued giving me a little pout. I sighed at that, deciding to drop the tough nut act. She was sweet and kind. I sincerely had no idea why she wanted to be friends with me because it was obvious we were completely different from each other but then she hadn’t done anything bad to me and it wouldn’t hurt having at least one friend here. “Okay, let’s be friends Liv” I said as I watched her smile brighten up more as she ran towards me for a hug but I cringed at that causing her to freeze in her tracks. “Ooops sorry Miley, I just got too excited” she laughed causing me to smile at her quirkiness. “It’s fine.” “What’s your I*******m, let’s follow each other so we can talk often.” She suggested as she handed me her phone to type in my username. I did that and immediately she followed me. “My phone’s charging right now but I’ll follow back when I open the app” I said “Okay, it was nice meeting you Miley. I’m glad we’re friends now. Hope to see you soon!” She exclaimed happily as I watched her walk out of the room causing me to smile feeling warm at my newfound friendship. Liv was sweet and I agree she’s someone I need while I navigate this newfound reality of mine. Laying on my bed with my head swarming with all sorts of thoughts. The divorce was really rough for the family. My mum and dad had to get shared custody for me and my brother. I went with my mum and he went with my dad. It was crazy but it was our new life now and I missed him so much. My older brother was my best friend and my biggest supporter. It hurt being so far away from him. Needing fresh air I got up from my bed and walked out to the balcony as my eyes caught a figure in Liv’s house in the backyard. It was the same guy and he was wearing no shirt and just a pair of jeans while he ruffled the fur of his dog. Curious to see how he looked like because I couldn’t help but admire how he looked from the back, with his taut strong muscles and slim waist and long looking legs. I was intrigued to see his face. As if he felt like he was being stared at, he looked up to see me staring as our eyes locked on each other. I was knocked out my breath by his looks. This guy was hot! His face was smooth and so masculine with deep intense looking eyes, a pointed nose and pout looking lips. His hair was jet black and long and swept back as they fell down his neck as I watched him tuck a strand behind his ear. I was impressed with his looks as I drooled over his figure. He seemed surprised to see someone perched on the balcony as we both stared at each other. I didn’t realize when my hand came up to wave at him, his surprise immediately turned into a blank expression as he looked at me like as if I was an annoying fly. He said no words and instead just gave me the finger as I watched him walk back into his house, his actions shocking me and also enraging me to the core. Did he just flip me off ? How dare he do that to me.Miley’s POV The Call By the time Miley got home with Harry, the night sky had turned deep indigo. Their mum was waiting by the porch light, hands dusted with flour, the faint smell of banana bread spilling into the air. For a brief, golden moment, everything felt normal again — like the kind of evening you’d want to bottle up forever. Harry and her mum fell into easy laughter as they unpacked his things, teasing each other about who snored louder. Miley sat at the kitchen counter, smiling into her mug of cocoa. It was the first time in months that the house felt full again — warm, loud, alive. Later, when Harry went upstairs to unpack and her mum disappeared into her room with a stack of laundry, Miley lingered in the quiet kitchen. The hum of the refrigerator filled the silence, and for once, she didn’t feel the need to rush off to the studio or drown herself in music. She was rinsing her cup when her phone buzzed on the counter. Jordan. Her heart did that small, famili
Miley’s POV Dinner with Harry Miley didn’t realize how much she’d missed her brother until she saw him standing by the arrivals gate — tall, slightly scruffy, backpack slung over one shoulder and that same easy smile she remembered from when things at home used to feel normal. “Harry!” He turned just in time to catch her as she ran into him. He smelled like peppermint gum and airplane air. “Whoa, slow down, kiddo.” He laughed, hugging her tightly. “You grew taller.” “Barely,” she said into his chest. “You just forgot what I look like.” He pulled back, grinning. “Hey, I Facetime! But seeing you in person? Definitely better.” Miley smiled up at him. “Mum’s waiting at home, but she said we could grab something to eat first.” “Good,” he said, ruffling her hair as they walked toward the parking lot. “Because airplane food is a lie. A scam. Pure suffering.” She laughed — the kind of laugh she hadn’t realized she needed. ⸻ They ended up at a cozy diner near the coast — one of t
Jordan’s POVThe house was quieter than usual. Too quiet. Even with Liv in the living room humming to a random pop song, and Scott somewhere outside fixing his bike, the air still felt tense — like something was waiting to break.Jordan hadn’t been sleeping well. Not since that day. Not since his father had shown up again with that same nervous smile and an apology that barely held itself together. He hadn’t even told Miley what was really going on. She thought his distance was because of school stress or the upcoming regional showcase. It wasn’t. It was the past clawing its way back.He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone. His father’s last message sat unread. “Please, Jordan. Just come talk to me.”He wanted to throw the phone across the room. Instead, he pressed his palms over his face and exhaled.He didn’t get to do this — not after years of silence. Not after he left him and Liv to deal with the chaos on their own.A knock came at his door.“Jordan?” Liv’s voice was
Jordan’s POV — The Calm Before the StormThe rest of the morning passes in a quiet haze of warmth and laughter.By the time I leave Miley’s house, the sky’s already shifting into that soft blue that means it’s going to be a perfect afternoon. There’s a light breeze carrying the smell of rain that never came, and my chest feels a little too full — the kind of full you get when life suddenly feels okay again.I walk home with my hands in my pockets, smiling like an idiot.Scott’s going to make fun of me again. I can already hear it.But I don’t care.Not today.When I get back, I find my phone buzzing on the table. A text from Miley.Miley: You didn’t tell me my mom liked you that much Miley: She said, and I quote, “He’s the kind of boy that looks you in the eye when he talks.”Miley: She’s already rooting for you. I can’t believe this.I grin as I type back.Jordan: What can I say? I have a mom-charm superpower.Miley: Don’t push your luck.Miley: …But hey. You doing anything later?J
Jordan’s POV — Morning LightI can’t remember the last time I woke up feeling… calm.The light spilling through my window is soft, gold around the edges, like the world decided to go easy on me for once.No hangover. No bad dreams. Just the faint ache of last night still sitting somewhere between my chest and my ribs.Miley.Her name alone feels like an exhale.The way she looked at me when I told her about my dad—it wasn’t pity. It wasn’t fear.It was… understanding.Like she’d seen the ugliest part of me and decided to stay anyway.That thought alone could ruin me in the best way.I toss on a hoodie and head downstairs. Scott’s already there, sprawled on the couch with a bowl of cereal balanced on his knee. He glances up when I walk in, eyes still glued to his phone.“Morning, lover boy,” he says without missing a beat.I groan. “Please don’t start.”“Oh, I’m starting.” He smirks. “Liv texted Miley last night. Said you showed up, had your little heart-to-heart moment. Cute. Very Nic
Miley’s POV — After the StormWhen Jordan texted that he’d seen his dad, my stomach twisted so hard it almost hurt.He hadn’t talked about that man much—just enough for me to know the name alone left scars.So when I saw the message “Like I can finally breathe again,” I didn’t hesitate.I told him to come over.Now, sitting on the porch steps, the night hums around me.Crickets. The faint hiss of streetlights. The air smells of rain and salt from the coast.I tug my sweater tighter, heart tripping when headlights sweep across the driveway.His car slows to a stop.When he climbs out, the shadows hide most of his face, but I can still see the wear—the tired slope of his shoulders, the quiet in his eyes.He doesn’t say anything at first. Just walks toward me and drops down beside me on the step.For a moment, all we do is sit there, our knees brushing, both pretending the silence isn’t full of things we don’t know how to say.Then I whisper, “So… you did it.”He nods slowly. “Yeah. I sa







