Babyyy_Juice

"EVERYTHING I NEVER SAID"is a slow-burn, emotional romance about love, loss, and second chances. Ethan Hayes and Riley Carter were inseparable—neighbors, childhood best friends, practically family. But when Ethan confessed his love in their first year of high school, Riley didn’t feel the same. They drifted apart, and months later, Ethan’s father died. Riley never showed up, and Ethan never forgave her. Two years later, Riley regrets everything, but Ethan has built walls too high to break. As old wounds resurface and fate forces them together, can they mend what was broken—or are some distances impossible to cross?

EVERYTHING I NEVER SAID

Chapter 17: The Problem with Pretending

(Ethan & Riley – Forced Proximity Round Three, Featuring Ava & Noah's Commentary)

Ethan – Present

Ethan had one goal today.

Avoid Riley Carter.

It was a simple plan. Foolproof.

Too bad fate hated him.

Because when he walked into homeroom, he saw it immediately.

The cursed, unforgivable announcement.

"Junior Camping Trip – All Students Assigned to Groups. No Exceptions."

Ethan's stomach sank.

And then, as if the universe wanted to personally ruin his life—

He saw Riley's name.

Right next to his.

For the entire. Damn. Trip.

Riley – Also Having a Breakdown

Riley stared at the group assignment list.

Noah. (Okay, fine, at least there's one buffer.)

Her boyfriend and her ex-best friend in one group.

For a camping trip.

48 hours in the woods.

Riley wanted to scream.

But when she turned around to find Ethan, he was already gone.

Ava & Noah – The Reaction Squad

Ava: I heard you and Riley are going on a trip together.

Ethan: It's not a trip. It's a forced survival situation.

Noah: We should bring popcorn.

Ava: Or bear spray.

Ethan: I hate both of you.

Skipping school was tempting.

But unfortunately, Ava was watching him like a hawk, and Noah had already stolen his car keys.

So instead of running, Ethan found himself getting onto the school bus, gripping his backpack like it was a life raft.

Then Riley sat next to him.

Ethan stared straight ahead. "There are literally 50 other seats."

Riley shrugged. "Yeah. But this one's next to you."

Ethan sighed. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

She grinned. "Maybe a little."

Noah, who was sitting behind them, leaned forward. "This is the best day of my life."

Ethan considered jumping off the moving bus.

She thought she was handling this well.

Then the bus hit a bump, and her shoulder accidentally brushed against Ethan's.

And something happened.

Something she hadn't expected.

A jolt of something stupid and familiar and way too dangerous.

Ethan didn't move away.

But he also didn't look at her.

And for some reason?

That bothered her.

THE PROBLEM WITH PRETENDING