Arese and Logan have been inseparable since childhood. A special bond built on shared cigarettes, late-night talks, and years of casual closeness that never needed explaining. But when Logan starts disappearing, returning with a glow in his eyes, and a girl named Eli in his stories, something shifts. What comes as quiet irritation creeps into a slow, consuming jealousy Arese can't name, let alone admit. Every laugh, every glance, every brush of skin becomes a spark in the tension growing between them. One night, under the dim buzz of a streetlamp, that tension finally breaks. But in the heavy silence after, both of them are left with the same question - was it a mistake... or is the thing they'd been moving toward... something that could change things forever?

Samuel Hopkins, a hopeful Birman and freshman at Hoovensguaard University, yearns to leave his uneventful past behind. With a burning desire to escape the clutches of his childhood, abusive parents, and the haunting memories of a shattered friendship, college life is his ticket to a brighter future. But fate is a cruel bastard that takes that newfound hope right away. On his very first day, amidst the bustling sea of unfamiliar faces, Samuel finds himself disoriented and on the brink of a panic attack. Hiding behind a sculpture to fully break down, a stranger approaches. But as soon as he locks eyes with the stranger, reality dawns on Samuel when he realizes the stranger has a familiar face... The one and only face that he hasn't seen for three years long. Tyson Bowyers, the very tiger who once inflicted deep wounds upon his heart, is standing before him. His yellow eyes, once a source of comfort, now pierce into Samuel's soul like a bullet through flesh. Though Tyson is compelled to aid Samuel in his panic attack, Samuel's anger overshadows any rational thought. Leaving his childhood best friend stood frozen on his own, Samuel's dreams of a fresh start and a new college life shatter as he continues searching for his class... As he continues living his life... Little does Samuel understand that not everything remains the same. ----- A tale of redemption, forgiveness, and unexpected connections, this story is about the enduring power of hope in times of confusion and uncertainty, the transformative nature of second chances, and the value of pain. ⚠️ Viewers discretion is advised.