Jake is the popular jock, and Alex is the quiet artist. They come from different worlds, but when they meet in an art class, they feel an instant connection. As they get to know each other, they realize that they have more in common than they thought. They both love music, and they both feel like outsiders in their own way.
As their friendship deepens, they start to realize that they have feelings for each other. But they also know that their relationship will not be accepted by everyone. Jake's friends are homophobic, and Alex's parents are strict and religious. They both struggle with their own fears and insecurities, but they also know that they can't deny their love for each other.
As they navigate their relationship in secret, they find allies in unexpected places. A fellow artist at school, a supportive teacher, and even Jake's little sister all help them in their journey. But they also face opposition and danger. When Jake's friends find out about their relationship, they turn violent. And when Alex's parents discover the truth, they threaten to send him away to a conversion therapy program.
In the end, Jake and Alex must decide whether their love is worth fighting for. They both risk everything to be together, and they find strength in each other and in their art. They paint a mural together that celebrates their love and their differences, and they inspire others to do the same. In the end, they find acceptance and hope in a world that often feels hostile and unforgiving.
As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams?
*****
Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]