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Kiss Me Where It Hurts
Chapter One: The Scene Partner
Levi March sat in the back row of drama class, biting the skin around his thumbnail and pretending not to exist. He was a master at it by now—slouching just enough to be forgettable, headphones half in, pretending his life was more about the music and less about the ache in his spine that never went away.
"Partner assignments," said Ms. Carrow, eyes sweeping the room like a hawk picking favorites. "You'll be paired for the semester's final project—your midterm performance. Choose wisely, or I'll do it for you."
Levi glanced around. All the pairs were forming fast—laughs, glances, that flutter of safety when someone says your name before the silence can stretch too long.
No one said his.
Ms. Carrow clicked her tongue. "Levi, you're with Milo."
Levi froze. He had no idea who Milo was.
Then a voice behind him: low, rough around the edges. "That's me."
He turned.
Milo Reyes was the kind of boy you didn't forget: black nails, one silver hoop earring, shadows under his eyes like he hadn't slept in years. He had a notebook tucked under one arm, like it was part of him.
"You cool with that?" Milo asked.
Levi shrugged. "Guess I have to be."
Milo gave a half-smile. It wasn't friendly. More like a warning. "Cool. Just don't cry if I write something that cuts deep."
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