Chapter Four:UNWANTED PROXIMITY

Tiana could not believe this was happening.

Zayden. In her house. Living here.

She turned to her mother, voice sharp. "Mom, you can't be serious."

Her mother sighed. "Tiana, this is a big adjustment for everyone, but—"

"No," she cut in. "You don't get it. This is Zayden."

Her mother gave her a pointed look. "I'm aware."

Tiana clenched her jaw. Of course, her mother had no idea what really happened between them. No one did.

Zayden leaned back in his chair, watching her. "It won't be that bad, princess. I'll stay out of your way."

Tiana glared. "Don't call me that."

He smirked. "Right. That's reserved for—"

"Shut up."

Her mother shot them both a warning look. "Enough. Zayden will be moving in next week. I expect you both to be civil."

Tiana knew there was no point in arguing anymore. This was happening.

But that didn't mean she had to make it easy for him.

************************************

Three years ago.

It was raining.

Not the soft, romantic kind. The wild storm kind that left them drenched.

They had been walking home from the arcade when the sky opened up.

Tiana shrieked as the cold rain soaked through her dress. "We need to find cover!"

Zayden grabbed her wrist and pulled her into an old bus stop shelter. They were out of the rain, but not the cold.

Tiana shivered. "This sucks."

Zayden chuckled. "You're dramatic."

She turned to him, about to argue—

But the words died in her throat.

His shirt was soaked, clinging to his body. His hair dripped with rain, and those damn eyes sparkled under the streetlight.

Her heart pounded.

Zayden's gaze dropped to her lips. "You're staring."

Tiana swallowed. "No, I'm not."

He stepped closer. "Liar."

She should have stepped back. Should have said something to break the moment.

But she didn't.

She just stood there, watching as he leaned in—

Then a bus drove by, splashing water all over them.

They both jumped back, laughing.

The moment was gone.

But the way he looked at her that night…

She never forgot.

******************************

Tiana sat in bed, scrolling through her phone, trying to ignore the fact that Zayden was just down the hall.

Every little sound made her ears perk up. A door closing. Footsteps. The faint sound of his music playing.

It was weird.

They had spent years avoiding each other, and now?

Now she had to deal with him every single day.

Her phone buzzed.

Maya: How's life with the ex-crush?

Tiana groaned. She had told Maya everything after finding out he was moving in.

Tiana: A nightmare. He's enjoying this way too much.

Maya: And you?

Tiana stared at the message.

She didn't reply.

Because the truth was?

She didn't hate it as much as she should.

And that was a problem.