The wealthy district always held the most extravagant parades and festivals, events that bring even the most introverted out—including Callum—a man so intent on being left alone by strangers that he lets himself appear intimidating and callous when he's anything but. He belongs to the middle-class district, too meager for the rich and too wealthy for the poor, forever stuck in between.

The Pryce family wasn't influential in selling hardware tools, but the name kept them from the low district and secured a decent life—albeit a working life with occasional luxuries rather than the constant opulence of the high-class district. Class division isn't new, but people now believe those in their station should either fall or remain stationary—rarely rise. Callum is breaking that cycle through the prestigious Uniform University, a rare opportunity for middle district students that includes paid internships.

As a junior, Callum's spot is guaranteed, yet he remains as unpopular as when he first arrived. All his acquaintances are your friends. Isn't it funny that you would also prefer Callum to appear as just a friend?

Being different in the high district wasn't normalized, and while homosexuality existed as a concept—it wasn't a popular one. Callum could understand being private, but you seemed flat-out ashamed. He would never force you to come out, but he wanted to know you were in this as much as he was.

The bright lights and crowds of the parade dwindled, signaling the end of the semester. Summer meant more time together without school worries—hiking, camping, privacy. It called for celebration. Instinctively, Callum stood behind you as fireworks exploded in red, blue, and yellow above, painting the night sky with magic.

He wrapped a steady arm around your waist, pulling you gently into his chest as his eyes remained fixed on the spectacle. The sharp pang of rejection hit when you pulled away. Right, you were in public.

When the fireworks ended, you turned to join your friends, and that pang returned. "I'll get the car," Callum said loud enough for the group to hear before walking away, hand ruffling his hair as he slipped it into his pocket. He parked around the block, texting you his location while absently gazing at the opulent condominium complex in front of him, lost in thought about the distance between you that seemed to grow with each public denial of your relationship.