LIAM
It's been a week since Levi handed me that bracelet—the one I had custom-made with our initials, thinking I was doing something romantic. That tiny silver piece had felt like a part of her still clinging to me… until he placed it in my palm like it meant nothing. Like I meant nothing.
Now, I sit at the edge of the bleachers, pretending to watch the scrimmage in the gym. The echo of sneakers against the polished wood, the sharp whistles, the yells—it's all background noise. My eyes are focused on the glass windows across the court that overlook the cafeteria.
Zara's sitting there—shoulders relaxed, head tilted slightly as she listens to something Nick just said. Her lips curl into a small smile, and the sight of it sends a familiar ache straight through me. Not because she's smiling… but because she's smiling without me.
Levi's next to her. He says something, and Kaylee laughs. Zara doesn't laugh as much—her face shifts into something softer, something thoughtful—but she's not pushing him away either. He's earned a seat at her table. My table.
Nick leans over and nudges her shoulder in a brotherly way, and she rolls her eyes with that exasperated fondness I've seen only a few people earn from her. They look like a little unit now—tight, strong, and peaceful in a way that makes me feel like the chaos. Like the other.
Jealousy isn't something I used to feel. Not before Zara. Not before I messed up the one real thing that ever existed in my life.
I remember how she used to light up when I walked into a room. How she'd lean her head on my shoulder when we sat together in silence. I remember her scent—like vanilla and something earthy—and the way she'd grin before she'd say something sarcastic, just to see if she could get under my skin. God, I miss her.
But watching her now, it's like seeing a life I used to have and knowing I destroyed it with my own hands.
Levi looks up suddenly, and our eyes lock through the glass. He doesn't smirk, doesn't nod—he just looks at me. Like he knows he's winning. Like he's proud of the wedge he's driving deeper between Zara and me.
I grip the metal bench under me so hard my knuckles go white.
He told me he wasn't interested in her like that. Said he was just being "supportive." But I know Levi. He's not that generous. Not unless there's something to gain. And Zara… Zara is everything anyone could ever want. She's real. Unfiltered. Brilliant in ways she doesn't even see.
And I—
I threw it all away.
Coach calls my name for the next round, but I wave him off. I can't play. Not like this.
My phone buzzes. It's a picture notification from one of the guys in the group chat. I click it open. It's another photo of Levi—leaning closer to Zara during lunch. His eyes fixed on her. Her expression unreadable. The caption reads: "Hunter, you're getting replaced, bro."
I shut my phone off and slam it into my bag.
Because what can I say?
They're not wrong.
And the worst part is—I don't know if I deserve to want her back.