nothing about this is casual

Sadie Sandler knows exactly how her life is supposed to look.

Film classes at New York University. Late-night edits. Family calls from her dad reminding her to "have fun, but not too much fun." A friend group that feels like stability in a city that never slows down.

Everything is curated. Controlled. Easy.

Until Alex Blake shows up.

Tall. Quiet. Masc in a way that makes people stare without realizing they are. She wasn't supposed to be there just someone's random invite to a casual hangout but suddenly she's everywhere. Sitting on Sadie's couch like she belongs. Laughing at the right moments. Not trying nearly as hard as everyone else.

And Sadie hates how much she notices.

What starts as accidental glances turns into tension. Then curiosity. Then something way harder to ignore especially when friend groups overlap, secrets slip, and lines get crossed.

Because Alex Blake doesn't do halfway.
And Sadie's whole life is built on it.