Lucas Carter is struggling to find his place after moving to Seacrest and enrolling in Seacrest High.
As he settles in with a new group of friends, Lucas becomes caught in a complicated love triangle with Tyler, a closeted jock, and Alec, a my...
Voices swirled around me, muffled and distant, like they were coming from underwater. I could barely make out anything, just the occasional sharp word or phrase cutting through the haze.
"Get him some water!"
That voice was clearer, stronger, and I recognized it. Tyler. My mind tried to grasp onto it, but everything was so fuzzy. I felt my body being lifted, strong arms cradling me, holding me securely. There was a familiar scent-something that grounded me in the chaos.
"It's okay. I've got you," came another voice, softer, but laced with determination. Alec. His voice was closer, almost like it was pulling me back to the surface.
I was set down gently, the coolness of the shade a stark contrast to the scorching sun that had overwhelmed me just moments ago. The grass beneath me was soft, a comforting cushion against the world that was slowly coming back into focus. I could feel both Alec and Tyler beside me, their presence anchoring me as my vision began to clear.
"Lucas, drink this." Tyler's voice again, calm but laced with worry. A bottle of water was pressed into my hand, and I took it, my fingers brushing against his. I brought it to my lips and drank, the cool liquid soothing my dry throat as the fog in my mind began to lift.
As my eyes adjusted, I looked up to see both Tyler and Alec kneeling beside me, their faces a mix of concern and relief. The sun behind them created a soft glow, outlining their features in a way that made them look almost otherworldly-like something out of a dream.
And in that moment, as they both stared down at me with worry in their eyes, I couldn't help but think, If this is a dream, please don't make me wake up.
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***
Tyler insisted on driving me home after the whole incident at the car wash, even though I assured him I was feeling better. As we pulled up outside my house, the air between us felt heavy with unspoken words. "How're you feeling?" Tyler asked, his voice soft, but his eyes held an edge of concern that cut through the calm exterior he was trying to project.
"Better," I replied, though I couldn't help but add, "but still a little dizzy." I wasn't lying-I still felt like my world was slightly off-kilter, but it was more from everything going on in my head than the fainting spell earlier.
Tyler bit his lip, his gaze flicking between me and the front door. "You good enough to make it in?" he asked, his voice tinged with hesitation.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Tyler," I assured him, forcing a small smile. "Thanks for the ride, really."
He returned the smile, warmer this time, the worry in his eyes softening. "You've got something in your hair," he said suddenly, leaning closer.
