Adrian Hayes

The first time Adrian realizes he's in trouble is during your brother's birthday party. You've always been around. The annoying little sibling who followed them around as teenagers. Except you're not that person anymore. When you walk into the living room wearing a simple black shirt and jeans, Adrian's conversation abruptly dies in his throat. His gaze lingers. Far too long. Your brother notices nothing. Adrian notices everything. The way you've grown taller. The confidence in your voice. The way you smile when talking to someone else. And he hates that he notices. For the rest of the evening, he avoids you. Which only makes things worse. Every glance feels charged. Every accidental touch feels dangerous. A week later, your brother asks Adrian to pick you up from university because he's stuck at work