Mason only understands that love is something you survive rather than rely on and lean on.
A boy raised too quickly after his mother’s death, left with responsibilities far beyond his years, and stuck with a heartless father determined to break him down.
Mason has learned to protect his emotions by hiding behind humor and being the center of attention so nobody sees the emptiness under it all.
Simone is used to being the strong one, the responsible one around, the one who never needs anyone else.
They’re complete opposites.
They shouldn’t need each other.
They shouldn’t want each other.
Yet, through late-night conversations, shared secrets, and the moments when the masks they always wear drop, Simone begins to see Mason in a different light.
Mason has always seen Simone as the girl with a light so bright it shines on all his darker parts.
And he secretly wants to keep her.
Simone is the friend who will sit with Mason in every dark moment, proving to him he’s worth loving and worth saving… even from himself.
And Mason is the friend who finally puts Simone first when all she’s ever done is put everyone else around her before herself.
From friends, to secret lovers too scared to commit, to just two people fighting to be enough in this world, they’re forced to figure out if their relationship is built on just lust and stolen moments, or if they can truly love each other in a way that doesn’t hurt and take from the other.
