Chapter 1
Echo Summer had just crushed the Battle of the Bands, and the victory party was absolutely electric.[]
When I walked through the door, Nina Forsythe, our bassist, was already pressed up against Lennon’s side, casually stealing sips from his beer like she owned the place.
“Holy shit, Lennon! That improvised solo tonight was absolutely sick! You had the judges shook!“]
She threw her arm around his shoulders, the sequins on her crop top catching every flash of neon light in the cramped dive bar.[]
“The A&R guy said we can book studio time next week! To our fucking rockstar!“]
Lennon was grinning ear to ear as they clinked bottles, the whole band losing their minds, screaming and riding that post–show high.|[]
It took him forever to even notice me hovering by the entrance:]
“Noa? Babe, why are you just standing there?“]
Every head turned my way as I quietly slipped into the back corner, my knuckles white around my phone.[]
The Berklee subreddit was absolutely losing it over Echo Summer’s win, but the top post was that damn video clip–Nina launching
herself into Lennon’s arms mid–celebration while he spun her around like some rom–com moment.
The comments were brutal:[]
r/Berklee College [New power couple alert! Lennon × Nina just served LOOKS at Battle of the Bands ??]]]
[Campus royalty vibes! These two are endgame material]]]
[Someone get these two a room already, I’m deceased ?]||
One comment buried in the thread:[]
[Wait doesn’t Lennon have a gf? That Boston U chick…]]
Immediately downvoted to hell:[]
[Bruh that’s old news. They’ve been done for months.]]
My stomach twisted. Months?]
“Oh hey, Noa?”
Nina’s voice dripped with fake concern as she cocked her head at me.[]
“Why are you hiding in the corner doom–scrolling? You look miserable. Are we being too rowdy for you?“[]
I locked my phone, jaw clenched.[]
Lennon set his beer down, immediately defensive:[]
“She’s cool, Nina. That’s just her vibe–she’s more low–key, not into the whole scene.‘
Cenius E Cirlfriend Era I Chose My Academic Clory Quer Vows Dockstar Pantseu
Chapter 1
Nina let out this exaggerated “Ohhhhh,” practically melting into Lennon’s side:]
“So like… how do you two even work? You’re such complete opposites. Who made the first move? I’m dying to know!“]
She batted her lashes like some Disney princess.]
Lennon shrugged, totally oblivious:[]
“We grew up on the same street, been tight since we were kids. Just kind of fell into it, you know?“]
Someone from across the table shouted:[]
“Childhood sweethearts! That’s some Nicholas Sparks shit right there!“]
“Hmm, cute.“]
Nina’s laugh had this sharp edge to it now.
“I guess when you’re young you don’t really get what real chemistry looks like. No offense, but you guys seem… I don’t know, kind of forced?”
Her eyes found mine for just a split second, and I saw it–the calculated sweetness, the deliberate poison.[]
Something cold and furious settled in my chest. I looked straight at her, my voice deadly calm:[]
“Oh, so we don’t have chemistry, but you two do?“]
“Should I just get out of your way then?“]
