Days passed as I resolutely avoided Brax and Dillon, my phone vibrating with unanswered calls and unopened texts from Brax. I told myself over and over that it had to be this way. I had to let go of them both and focus on my plan to take Steve down. Walking through the school halls, the cacophony of teenage chatter seemed distant and uninviting. Alone, I felt the weight of my decisions, but I knew it was all for the best.
As I got to my first class, I felt an unwelcome buzz around me. The teacher's droning voice faded into the background, the words blending into a monotonous hum. Just as I tried to settle into my seat, the door flew open with a crash, startling the entire room.
“Braxton Young! What do you think you’re doing?” The teacher’s voice was shrill.
Brax scanned the room, his in
