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To the world, Nico is the boy who grew up and went cold. He's the guy who stays on the edge of the bonfire, the one who watches the horizon with a scowl that keeps everyone at a distance. But Nico's silence isn't a choice-it's a survival tactic. For years, he's lived under the weight of a depression that makes every word feel like a mountain, and the only person who makes the climb feel worth it is Aliceson.
They've been friends since the first grade. To everyone else, she's the girl who can talk to anyone; to him, she's just Ali. She's the person who naturally fills the silence he leaves behind, never realizing that every time she calls his name, it's the only thing keeping him grounded. Ali has no clue that his "grumpy" moods are actually him fighting to stay present. She has no idea that every time he pushes her away, it's because he's terrified she'll see how broken he feels.
And she definitely has no idea that he's been in love with her since he was ten years old.
This summer, Nico finally felt strong enough to break the silence. He had the words ready. He was going to tell Ali that he didn't just want to be the shadow in her life-il he wanted to be the light in hers.
But as he reached the boardwalk, the words died in his throat.
Under the orange glow of the pier, he saw Ali wrapped in the arms of another guy. He saw her smile-a smile he thought belonged only to their shared childhood memories-pressed against someone else's lips. To Ali, it's just a summer romance. To Nico, it's a sign that he waited too long to be the person she deserves.
Now, Nico is retreating into the dark. But when the "new guy" starts to show his true colors, Nico's protective instincts roar to life. He has to decide: can he keep being the silent protector, or will he finally tell Ali the truth-even if it means losing her forever?