Chapter Two

Aurora's pov

I couldn't stop replaying his words in my head-"I've missed annoying her"-as Layla and I barreled through the chaos of Ravenwood Pacific University's crowded morning halls, praying I wouldn't run into him again.

Layla left me at her locker, and I made my way to mine. My backpack slipped lower on my shoulder as I sprinted, sneakers squeaking against the polished floors. I rounded the corner too fast-and slammed straight into someone broad and solid.

"Whoa! Careful there," a deep, teasing voice said, low and amused. I looked up and froze. The school's star soccer player stood towering over me, one eyebrow arched, warm brown eyes locking on mine in a way that made my stomach twist. My notebooks scattered across the floor, and I scrambled to gather them, face burning.

"Oh my gosh! I-I'm so sorry!" I stammered, fumbling to collect my mess.

He crouched slightly, his fingers brushing mine as he helped pick up a notebook. That touch sent an uninvited shiver down my spine. "Late for class, huh?" he said, smirking, eyes glinting. "Or maybe just trying to run into me?"

I wanted to groan, to disappear, to scream-all at the same time. "I-definitely wasn't trying to," I said, voice squeaky.

"Sure," he murmured, leaning a little closer, his presence impossible to ignore. "You're cute when you panic, by the way."

Heat flared across my cheeks. "Cute?!" I sputtered. "I'm not-"

"Relax," he said, flashing that infuriating grin. "I won't bite... much."

I rolled my eyes so hard I felt them spin. My heart, however, refused to listen.

"I'm Jefferey," he continued.

"I didn't ask," I replied, trying to sound tough, though my heart disagreed. "Anyway, thanks for helping me pack. I'm late!" I sprang off without waiting for a reply.

Jefferey kept his cool, hands in pockets, and smiled. "Pretty tough, huh? I'd see you again, cutie," he called after me, even though I wasn't there to respond.

A few girls in the hallway waved sexily, ready for a hug if he didn't mind. But Jefferey only waved back, modeling his way to class.

***

In class, every eye landed on me as Mr. Peterson's question landed squarely in my lap. I took a quick, deep breath and blurted out the answer before overthinking it. Relief flooded me when he nodded, letting me slide back into my seat.

Next class... Thank God, Layla. I practically skipped to my seat beside her, excitement bubbling in my chest. we both immediately buzzed with energy, whispering and giggling like we'd shared a thousand secrets already. Tiny eruptions of squeals and hand gestures filled the space around us, earning a few amused glances from our classmates.

When we realized they'd been paired for the upcoming assignment, the room practically lit up with our joy.

I leaned closer, eyes sparkling, a playful tilt to my head.

"Bestie," I said, a mischievous grin tugging at my lips, "could you help me find my way around the sports unit? I want to play football for RPU, but I haven't been able to figure it out these past few weeks. You don't want me wandering off and getting lost, do you?"

I added a pitiful puppy-dog smile, almost pleading. Layla laughed-a warm, melodic sound that made even the stiff lecture hall feel friendlier.

It's recess," Layla confirmed. "Sure I'll help you-but football?" She furrowed her brows, confused.

"Yes, football," I whispered. "Since you relocated, I picked something fun to do... and I'm pretty good at it."

Layla wondered how I would adapt to RPU soccer games. Thankfully, there was no queue for registration, which made it faster.

We both gathered their things to leave, the campus around us was alive with movement. students sprinting across the quad, the distant bounce of footballs hitting the turf, and the faint smell of fresh-cut grass mixed with cafeteria aromas. I imagined myself running across the field, the wind in my hair, football at my feet, and cheers echoing through the stadium. My pulse quickened.

Beside me, Layla clapped her hands together, eyes shining. "Don't worry, girl, I've got you. We'll navigate this place like pros. You're going to crush it on the field!"

Gratitude and excitement surged through me. For the first time in weeks, the sprawling campus didn't feel intimidating and annoying.

***

In the cafeteria, I grabbed a tray and quickly scanned the room. I piled on a turkey and avocado wrap, a small Caesar salad, and a slice of cheese pizza-safe, filling, and unassuming. Layla, of course, was already plotting her snack attack, sneaking a couple of sushi rolls and a chocolate muffin onto her tray with a grin.

"Try not to look like a deer in headlights," Layla whispered, nudging me as we moved toward a table.

"Like I care?" I muttered, though my eyes betrayed me. Of course, he was there.

Jaxon. Shirt on today-but somehow, he still radiated effortless trouble, leaning casually against the beverage station, burrito bowl in hand, eyes scanning the room. Naturally, they landed on me.

Fragments of the girls' whispers floated past my ears, teasing and annoying all at once. "My sweet boy..." "My crush..." "Jax, how about a one-night stand with you?"

I flared with irritation. Did none of these girls know the Almighty Jaxon Grayson? The RPU playboy whispered about every secret? Perfect jawline, stupidly attractive, walking disaster. He was every bad decision wrapped in charm and danger.

I thought back to Layla's warning: the university was crawling with guys like him-jerks and heartthrobs I had yet to meet. Except... maybe the cute guy from that morning. He had been different, a fleeting distraction-but nothing compared to the storm that was Jaxon.

I shifted in my seat, irritation and awe twisting together. Somehow, he made every other guy I'd seen that day seem invisible, irrelevant, painfully ordinary.

He smirked. "Ah, the mysterious new girl," he drawled, "Trying to avoid me already?"

Layla rolled her eyes. "Ignore him, Aurora. Just Eat and we get out of here."

"Funny," he added, raising a brow, "how your lunch always seems to be near me."

I stayed silent until Jaxon slid into the seat across from me before I could protest, placing his tray deliberately close. "You know," he said, leaning in slightly, "you don't have to pretend I'm invisible."

"My stomach twisted. "I'm not pretending, you dumbass. Preferable to have you invisible." I snapped.

He smirked, glancing at me with teasing storm-grey eyes, biting his burrito."Touché I'd hate for you to miss out on this view." he teased

I groaned, wishing I could teleport out of the cafeteria. Layla giggled beside me. "Oh, this is going to be fun," she whispered.

Lunchtime at Ravenwood Pacific University had officially turned into a battlefield-and Jaxon had already claimed the first skirmish.

Slowly, almost in slow motion, the guy I'd bumped into earlier appeared fully in view. His features sharpened with each step, and my breath caught. Something magnetic in his presence demanded attention, even without trying. A small, involuntary smile touched my lips. He walked with confident, model-like strides, cutting through the cafeteria's noise until the whole room seemed to fade around him.

Across the table, Jaxon sank a little lower in his seat, feeling invisible. The girls behind him didn't spare him a glance; their eyes were glued to the boy approaching me, as if Jaxon had vanished completely.

Whispers buzzed, excited and breathy.

"Wait... isn't that Jefferey?"

"What's he doing at her table?"

"Are they dating?"

"I wish I was the girl he's going to."

I barely heard any of it. My focus was on him-Jefferey-and the way his eyes were fixed on me alone.

Meanwhile, Jaxon, now suddenly invisible, sank lower in his seat, watching without a flicker of emotion, like he was a stranger passing judgment.

The way he sat still got some ladies attention that moment.

Jefferey appeared.

"Hey, I didn't get your name. You ran off," he said, flashing a smile with emerald braces.

I replied smiling,"Aurora Smith."

He took my phone and saved his contact himself. "It's Jefferey," he winked, leaving the table.

Layla nudged me. "Girl... Jefferey? That's Hot cake!"

I laughed into her arms.

I turned to Jaxon. "You're still alive?" I asked, sarcastically.

His eyes snapped to mine with dagger-like intensity, holding back an emotion too fierce to name. His composed, unreadable face made me choke on my water.

"What the hell, Jax! Quit staring!" Layla rolled her eyes.

He rose suddenly, chair crashing to the floor behind him. Conversations died instantly. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, jaw clenched, and stomped out-every step echoing what he refused to voice.

"Goddamit!" the girls echoed.

"Hmm, that's so cute of him" some were biting down their lips.

I groaned at their obsession with the silly playboy.

Chapter Three

Jaxon's POV

Since I've known Aurora, we've been enemies. She's my sister's best friend, but to me, she's just someone I can mess with-annoy, tease, and push buttons. It's clear how our parents put the siblings'tag on us. Because we all grew up together and our parents were best friends.

When my mom told me Mrs. Smith relocated to the city with her daughter,-a long, nagging expectancy to see Aurora, to see how she'd grown into this... feminine version of herself. I laughed at the thought. I'm sure she would be no match with all the girls I've slept with.

Someway, somehow, I want to see how far she'd have become.

My friends and I had an outing later that night. I stayed home to rest especially before Cole would pick me up with his car.

The door bell rang severally. getting to the porch, There she was. The ugly "Aurora Smith" My sexy self played more than usual that day, and honestly? I had fun.

~~~~ Flashback

She was ten.

I was fifteen.

And for some stupid reason I never understood back then, Aurora had a tiny crush on me.

Back in those days, she followed me around like a little shadow-annoying, persistent, always smiling those gap-toothed smiles. I wasn't used to attention, especially from girls. My brain wasn't built to handle it yet. So every time she hovered, giggled, or tried to talk to me after class, I did what most dumb fifteen-year-old boys did: I pretended I didn't notice.

Or worse-I pretended it irritated me.

Then came the school games.

She tripped.

Her skirt flew up.

And before my brain could catch up with my mouth, I shouted:

"Look! Aurora's wearing cartoon panties!"

The whole class burst into laughter.

I laughed the loudest.

I thought she would laugh too. I thought it was harmless teasing. But the way she froze...

The way her face crumpled...

The way tears spilled down her cheeks...

Something inside me twisted in confusion.

I didn't understand guilt yet.

So I laughed again-louder-hoping it would make the weird feeling in my chest disappear.

It didn't. other kids laughed at her too.

That day put a crack between us-one she never let me forget. Every small interaction after that turned into an argument, a glare, a cold shoulder. I didn't apologize. I didn't know how. And by the time I realized she wasn't laughing with me, she had already changed-completely.

The humiliation stuck to her like a scar.

And to me, I couldn't care less.

~~~~

Still in junior high, right after exams, our parents took us to the kids' park.

I had finally found a group of friends who didn't make me feel like a ghost. Kids who included me, kids I actually wanted to impress.

But of course... she was there.

Aurora.

The little storm in pigtails.

From the moment we stepped onto the swings, she decided to torment me with her presence. Every toy, every pebble, every stupid shiny trinket she found-she ran to me, grinning with her gap-toothed mouth, shoving things into my hands like offerings to a king.

To my friends, though?

It looked pathetic.

Like she was chasing me.

Like I was responsible for her.

I saw the looks on their faces-confusion, then amusement, then irritation.

The whispers started.

And the longer she kept coming back, the farther they drifted.

Until I found myself stranded in the middle of the sandbox, friendless, embarrassed, boiling with a fifteen-year-old's version of rage.

My chest burned.

My hands shook.

And when she came running up again with another "look what I found!"-I snapped.

"STOP coming back!" I yelled, shoving her out of my way. "Your tooth is missing and your stupid toys are scaring my new friends away! Don't come near me again, Aurora!"

She blinked.

One second-just one-her smile fell.

But then, unbelievably, she flashed me that same grin again, like she hadn't heard a word.

That grin-the one with the missing tooth-mocked me.

I hated it.

I hated her for it.

That was the moment something ugly rooted itself inside me.

A quiet vow.

A childish resentment I didn't know how to handle:

She would never embarrass me again.

Even now, thinking back, irritation curls in my chest like an old bruise pressed too hard.

Every memory of her feels like a grain of sand stuck under my eyelid-small but impossible to ignore.

My thoughts lingered to the present laying on the couch in my room.

Then there was the party Layla had mentioned. For some reason, I didn't want Aurora there. Protective? Me? I scoffed at the thought. Something in me wanted her away. Was it because she was too fragile for a RPU party? Or because I didn't want anyone annoying me that day like she always did when we were kids? Ew, protective. What the hell was wrong with me? I don't give a fuck what ever happens.

Maybe I thought she was too delicate for a RPU party.

Maybe I didn't want anyone messing with her.

Or maybe I didn't want her messing with me, irritating me like she always did, getting too close, too loud, too... Aurora.

I shook the thought off immediately.

Ew, protective. What the hell was wrong with me? I don't give a damn what happens to her.

I threw my hands up, told my friends to postpone the party.

Gave them no reason.

Didn't owe them one.

During recess in school, when I should have been sitting with my friends in our usual spot, I found myself making an excuse.

Walking to the cafeteria without knowing why.

Like something restless was tugging at me.

Something that sounded like her voice,

or her laugh,

or maybe her irritation.

Something I didn't want to name.

"The cafeteria? You sure love this girly attention, bruh?," Daniel asked, disgust in his voice. Others laughed, but I didn't care.

"I just wanna see my sister, bet," I replied.

Cole snorted. "Your sister schools here too?"

"Fuck off, dawg," I snapped. "They ain't some toy for y'all to play with!" My words hung heavy in the air, and suddenly everyone echoed in disbelief: "They?!" I rolled my eyes and stepped out, not wanting to argue further.

I smiled as I saw them together-Aurora and Layla-about to eat. Something twisted inside me. I wanted to be irritated by that ugly girl, but not in front of my friends. Somehow, it was fun. Yes, Aurora Smith was the ugly one here.

Still... I always looked forward to our banter. It filled some empty space that no other girl ever had.

Then Jefferey appeared at their table. My chest tightened in a way I couldn't explain. He even saved his contact? Damn it. Today, I'd make sure Aurora knew he was mine to irritate. She succeeded in getting under my skin-now I had to retaliate.

~~~

I hopped on my bike and headed to my favorite spot in town. Amelia, someone I just call and play with-yes, she's obsessed with me-showed up. We ate ice cream, and she chatted about her holiday, but my attention drifted. My mind wandered back to Aurora.

"Amelia," I cut her off, "I'm off to racing already. Let's talk later."

"But baby-" she began, whining.

I didn't care. I had to clear something I didn't understand from my head. Why did they keep appearing?

The wind whipped against my face as I raced down the path on my bike, sharp and exhilarating, a thrill that made my eyes water and heart pound. Leaning low over the handlebars, I grinned, feeling the adrenaline surge through me. Each bump in the road made my chest leap.

"You're so ugly when you smile, Aurora. And fuck you, Jefferey," I muttered under my breath, laughing at myself.

Just then, Daniel and Cole caught up, yelling over the wind:

"Yo, Jaxon! Since when did you get here?!"

"You're not winning this time, I swear!"

Cole laughed breathlessly, wobbling on his bike. "Move hard! You ride like you're scared of speed!"

We tore down the path, the wind lifting our shirts, screaming in exhilaration. Every turn, every surge, was a pure, wild, unrestrained joy. This wasn't just racing-it was another life we had, loud and addictive.

Eventually, we parted ways. I got home late, faced an earful from my parents, and lied about group work with my friends.

In the hallway, I overheard Layla's laugh-addictive, bubbly, unforgettable. Only one person could make her laugh like that- Aurora. I tiptoed to her door, wanting to eavesdrop but quitted on it when I realized how petty it was. "I shouldn't care about ugly duckling Aurora" I thought. A lot of girls are dying to talk to me. It can't be the other way for me.

Aurora's POV

The morning sunlight hit the quad, bouncing off freshly cut grass. The sound of footballs thumping against cleats echoed across campus. Today was my first chance to officially join the RPU female football team. I couldn't afford another awkward moment-especially not if Jaxon was lurking around nearby.

Layla skipped ahead, waving at acquaintances. "Come on, slowpoke! You're going to miss the best part of campus life!"

I adjusted my bag, stomach twisting. Every glance at the field reminded me of Jefferey, the all-star player with those emerald braces that refused to leave my mind.

Rounding the corner toward the sports building, I almost collided with Coach Ramirez, clipboard in hand, barking at a group of sweaty students.

"New recruit, huh?" he asked critically. "You sure you're ready to handle RPU football?"

I squared my shoulders. "Absolutely. I've been playing for years."

He smirked. "We'll see." He blew his whistle, calling everyone together.

The team huddled: seniors, eager freshmen, all sizing each other up.

"Wanna watch, or ready to join the girls? Let's see what you got."

I stepped onto the field determined-but a football whizzed past my shoulder, making me stumble to the ground.

Mia's grin stretched across her face. "Consider that a warm-up."

"What the heck, girl?!" I shouted. She just stared, hands on hips, smirking. Coach Ramirez intervened. "Come on, girls. Let's not pick fights."

We played for a few more minutes, ending the game with me scoring a goal and our team ahead.

Jefferey leaned casually against the goal post, tossing a football with effortless precision. When the game ended, he ran over to me.

"Hey princess, was the push hard?" he asked, smiling.

"No thanks," I answered, brushing it off.

He nudged me. "Careful... she might see you as a challenge."

"Don't mind Mia. She's the captain," he added.

Rolling my eyes "I don't need challenges, I need a team that lets me play without being... distracted."

He raised a brow. "Maybe she wants to see how fit you are for the team."

"It's not her job, right? C'mon, that was unfair to me."

"So... lunch to cool off?" he asked, hopeful.

Layla was already next to me, blushing on my behalf.

I felt heat rise. Could I say no? "Err... I'll let you know when I'm done."

Before we could continue, Mia called Jefferey to train with her, shooting me cold looks. I didn't hold back either.

"Girl, are you good?" she nudged playfully. And continued,

I can't believe you scored a goal! It was crazy.

I sure told you I play really well. I smiled,feeling on top of the world.

Now heading to the changing room, ugly Jaxon shoved his face into my path.

"Ew! Jax, fuck off! I've had a bad day already!"

That infuriating smirk I knew too well spread across his face.

But deep down, a tiny voice whispered, he wasn't going anywhere. And neither was the trouble he brought.

Chapter Four

Jaxon's pov- Morning at the Graysons'

Amelia came early to catch up on schoolwork she missed during vacation. Since we were both seniors-and since she believed we were still something-I was stuck helping her.

"Baby, I'm tired," she whined.

I exhaled. "Stop calling me that around people. What should my parents think?"

I didn't wait for her reply. I walked into the kitchen.

The aroma hit me first-barbecue, seafood, spices.

"Mom... What's going on? Are Nana and Grandpa coming?"

She gasped softly. "Oh, my darling, did I forget to tell you? The Smiths are coming. For a reunion!"

I paused.

Aurora... here?

"Oh! And tell Amelia to join us too," Mom added. "Her parents won't be home until night. Be a good boy."

Of course.

Upstairs, Amelia was half-buried in my sheets.

One glance at her bare thigh peeking out-and immediately, unwanted heat stirred in my stomach.

I looked away fast.

I didn't want to make a terrible mistake in my parents' house.

A cold shower was mandatory.

Under the running water, the mint soap, the steam-my mind wandered places it shouldn't. And when I stepped out, towel slung low around my waist, Amelia wrapped herself around my back, arms sliding over my bare chest.

I stiffened instantly.

"Amelia. Respect my home, at least."

She groaned. "Jaxon, I'm your fucking girlfriend. Why are you denying me?"

I pulled her off gently. "You're not. We only hooked up two days ag-"

That was when it happened.

The door burst open.

And there she stood.

Aurora.

Frozen.

Mortified.

Her eyes dragged-unwillingly-over my body, then lower...

and I realized, too late, that the towel didn't hide much.

Especially not the bulge pressing against the fabric from Amelia springing on me a minute earlier.

Aurora's face twisted with shock and disgust-and she slammed the door so hard the walls shook.

My entire body went hot.

Not with embarrassment.

With something else. Something I shouldn't feel.

"Jaxon-" Amelia started.

"Just go downstairs," I snapped. Harder than I meant. "Everyone's waiting."

My pulse was loud in my ears.

She saw me like that.

Why did I even care? A lot of girls wants to see what she saw freely.

Layla poked her head in moments later.

"Mom says the Smiths are here-oh. I didn't need to see all this."

"Ever heard of privacy!?" I barked.

"Bet," she said, rolling her eyes.

I wasn't mad at her.

I was mad at myself.

And at why my stomach flipped when I thought of Aurora's expression.

~~~

Aurora's pov

It was the weekend, and today was finally the day Mom and I would properly visit the Graysons. The first time I ever stepped into their house was because of Layla, and it barely counted-i didn't meet her parents. Today was meant to be a full reunion.

I woke up earlier than usual.

The first golden rays of the Californian sun spilled through my half-open curtains, washing my room in honeyed light. The Ravenwood's breeze drifted in, soft and salty, carrying faint whispers of jasmine from the yard. It slid across my bare shoulders as I stretched, legs dangling lazily off the bed.

I tumbled over my pillow, brushing a cascade of flossy chestnut waves out of my face. The tug pulled a tiny groan from my lips.

"Aurora! Be ready in an hour!" Mom yelled from downstairs.

My phone buzzed with a notification from the female football group chat.

"Official match in one month. I expect more resilience and team spirit - Coach Ramirez."

I squealed quietly. This already made my morning. I couldn't wait to tell Layla.

I stepped in front of the mirror and admired the look I'd chosen last night:

A sleek jade-green sundress that hugged my body just right. The soft fabric shaped my waist, skimmed my hips, and stopped mid-thigh-playful, but not too loud.

My nails-glossy nude with tiny gold flakes-glimmered when the light caught them.

I wrapped my chestnut hair into a tight doughnut bun.

Then I fastened the friendship bracelet Layla and I got together.

"Aurora!" Mom called again.

"I'm coming!" I yelled back, slinging my sleepover bag over my shoulder.

The moment I stepped into the living room, Mom eyed me top to bottom.

"Oh wow. Who are you looking sexy for? Hmm? You've got a boyfriend"

I groaned loudly. "Mom, please don't ruin my beautiful morning."

She laughed, grabbing her car keys. But before she opened the driver's door, Dad called her phone-and her mood shifted instantly.

She stepped out and slammed the door harder than necessary.

Her voice turned sharp and frustrated. She paced the length of the car; her hands cut through the air with every word. I couldn't hear the conversation, but the tension wrapped around my ribs.

I hoped it wouldn't ruin her day.

~~~At the Grayson's house ~~~

Mrs. Grayson said Layla had gone upstairs to call Jaxon, so I followed.

I should have remembered it was his room.

I should have knocked

I should have done anything except what I did.

I opened the door.

And instantly regretted being alive.

Jaxon stood there-wet hair falling over his eyes, towel hanging dangerously low on his hips... mint scent drifting through the air.

Amelia behind him.

Hands on his chest.

Both are still half-naked.

And him,

Hard.

My throat closed.

I gasped.

Nearly swallowed my tongue.

My heart slammed into my ribs so loud I thought everyone heard it.

I searched the room desperately-praying Layla was magically in there.

She wasn't.

I slammed the door with enough force to cause trauma to the wood.

I leaned my forehead against it.

Breathing fast.

Face burning.

"What the hell did I just see?"

I bolted to Layla's room.

Flopped onto her bed.

Covered my face with a pillow.

Layla came out of the bathroom humming.

"Hi gir-why do you look like you fought with God?"

"Let's just go eat," I muttered, refusing eye contact.

At the table, Amelia already sat pretty-acting innocent.

Mom glared at us. "You two took too long."

"Sorry, Mom."

"Where's Jaxon?" she asked.

"Right here, Mrs. Smith."

He arrived smelling like mint and trouble, dressed in a perfectly tailored two-piece.

His wet hair still framed his face carelessly... tauntingly.

He slid into the only empty chair.

Between me and my mother.

I grabbed my phone and texted Layla under the table: "Please switch seats "

Before I saw her reply-

Jaxon snatched my phone.

"We've wasted enough time," he said. "Let's eat."

He winked.

I clenched my hand into a fist.

"Damn him," I whispered under my breath.

And silently added-

"Why does he have to look like that today of all days?"

Amelia's pov-

Jaxon walked in and I nearly choked on her own breath.

He looked criminally good.

The two-piece.

The damp hair.

The mint scent.

The quiet, dangerous confidence.

And then he went straight to her.

The girl from earlier.

The one who walked in on us.

He took her phone.

He winked at her.

my stomach twisted.

Who the hell is she?

And why was she getting the attention I fought so hard for?

Even if he has other flings. I wasn't losing him.

Not today.

Not ever.

I would find out who that girl was.

And handle it.