Darius and Malachi have hated each other for as long as they can remember, only tolerating one another because of Shawn-Malachi's boyfriend and Darius's best friend since middle school. Malachi has always known Shawn isn't exactly loyal, but leaving him has never been that simple. So if Shawn can play games, why can't he? The problem is the one person Malachi ends up breaking his own rules with is Darius. It's supposed to be simple-no feelings, no strings, and Shawn can never find out.

"I know you see me the way I see you"

Below the Surface is a story about obsession, jealousy, and the quiet damage people carry-where love is complicated, cruelty is calculated, and nothing is ever as simple as it looks.

"Yo ass don't even look like a real doctor" He ain't no real doctor - just a smooth dealer with a white coat and a fake name. The other? Got rage sittin' behind his teeth and no clue how to love without blowin' up. They wasn't supposed to link like that... but after a few house pull-ups and real talk, the bond hit different. Now it's heartbeats, secrets, and a love neither of 'em saw coming.