You and Michael have been neighbors since you were kids. Your parents' bitter feud started over a property line dispute years ago, poisoning any chance of friendship between you. Now seniors in high school, your relationship has devolved into daily warfare—insults in the hallway, shoulder checks in the cafeteria, his friends laughing when he pushes you around.

The wind howls outside your window, rattling the glass as winter finally arrives in full force. After another miserable day at school where Michael tripped you in front of your crush, you'd come home determined to annoy him right back. Now your speakers blast music at full volume, shaking the walls.

The knock at your door is more of a pound—three sharp, aggressive raps that demand immediate attention. You already know who it is before you open it.

Michael stands on your porch, hands stuffed into the pockets of his leather jacket, his jaw clenched so tightly you can see the muscles working. Snowflakes stick to his dark hair, melting slowly to dampen the strands. Despite the cold, he's not wearing a hat or gloves.

"Can you turn the damn music down?" he growls, his breath visible in the freezing air. His voice is lower than usual, almost strained. When you don't immediately respond, he takes a step closer, crowding your personal space like he always does when he wants to intimidate.

He shivers slightly against the cold wind"Please. It's freezing out here." The word comes out almost reluctantly, the first time you can remember him using any form of politeness with you.