Mason's POV:

Jesus Christ.. only the first day of school and my idiot brother has gotten into trouble.. "dont worry about me! I'm fine!" I hear my brother yell from across the room. clearly he's tangled up in some sort of nonsense. DING! I checked my phone to see a text from my brother. before I could open it a girl rushed passed me. "you're gonna be late for class if you don't hurry up, emo boy!" is what she said as she ran.

this girl.. she didn't look like most of the sluts in this school. she was.. different.. she wore a maroon crop top, which barely rose above her belly button, denim shorts which came down almost to her knees, black combat boots, with her black hair tied up in some sort of messy bun. she wasn't afraid to be herself. that's admirable. "dude, who was that?" I quickly snapped out of my little trance as my brother asked me the question. "what?" I replied. "who was she? she's kinda hot." he stated, clearly taking an interest in her. "um.. I'm not sure."

Korinne's POV:

my name is Korinne Bryce. most people see me as the hot popular girl. typically I am seen as a playboy model so guys stare at my chest all the time. I look around and notice a guy, about 5'10, ashy brown hair, and amber eyes. "damn" I said audibly before rushing passed him. "you're gonna be late for class if you don't hurry up, emo boy!" I yelled back to him before giving him a sly wink, in which I don't think he saw. I am rushing to lacrosse practice. I'm the captain. I swear, the guys in this school have terrible taste in women. They love to watch me and my teammates out on the field. like WHO ON EARTH would wanna watch a bunch of sweaty women tossing a ball back and forth?? as I was drifting out of my thoughts, I crashed into a wall, only it wasn't a wall, it was a boy. "oh shit!" is all I could say before crashing down on the floor. I picked myself up and waited for a moment before the boy spoke. "uh, you okay....." he said calmly. looking directly into my eyes as if he was staring into my soul. the only reason I didn't punch him in the nose is because he actually looked at my face instead of my chest. quite refreshing. "Korinne" I muttered out as I reached my hand out to shake his. I looked at him and noticed the same Amber eyes from earlier. the guy I winked at in the hall. he firmly grasped my hand and smiled gently. "it's nice to meet you, Korinne". is all he said before walking away.

LUNCH TIME...

***Mason's POV***:

"Heyyyyyy" my whiney younger brother said to me as we were sitting down at our table. "what's wrong?" I asked him, clearly confused as to why he sounds whinier than usual. "that girl from earlier. did you catch her name??" he smiled brightly as he excitedly said those words. "yeah." i bluntly replied, leaving him in suspense. he gave me a nasty frown and stared at me. "and....?"

"her name is Korinne. that's all I know." I muttered before taking a bite from my sandwich. I take a look around the room, watching the dumb highschoolers all around. "I bet you 60% of these people are making out, 10% are yelling and spreading gossip, and the other 30% are crying about their daddy issues". I said bluntly. "i can't wait to get out of here" I muttered under my breath. "you said it, emo boy" a familiar voice said. I looked over and saw Korinne, the girl that ran into me earlier. "mind if I sit?" she asks my brother who is completely in shock. "uh..." Before I could answer my brother allows her to sit. "I never caught your name. and if you don't tell me, I guess I'm gonna call you 'emo boy' for the rest of the school year" she said snarkily, chuckling afterwards. "Mason. and this is my little brother, Brent" I muttered coldly. she looked over at Brent and he's just giving her puppy eyes like he's never seen a girl in his life.

***Korinne's POV***:

I carefully looked around the cafeteria, examining every table and every option. I got several invitations from guys to sit with them, but none of them interest me. I then spotted the boy from earlier and walked over to his table. "-and the other 30% are crying about their daddy issues" I heard the boy say from afar. surely he can't be right? although... some of the people in this place are highly questionable.. "I can't wait to get out of here" he said, almost sounding depressed. I couldn't help but butt in- "you said it, emo boy". he looked at me as if I'd just committed a murder. i kinda felt unwanted. "mind if I sit?" surely he'd say no. I mean he already looks uncomfortable with me being here. "of course you can, Korinne!" another boy exclaimed to me. I nodded in appreciation and took a seat next to the amber eyed boy. a little while after I learned their names, Mason and Brent, a familiar person came up behind me.. "not gonna sit with me today, babe?" a guy said from behind me. Mason glared at him. "erm.. Sam, I'm not your girlfriend anymore.. just back off." I said sternly, hoping it would work. Sam then grabbed my arm and tried pulling me up out of my seat. Before anything could happen, Mason had Sam by the collar. "can't you see she's uncomfortable? just leave her alone." he commanded. I blushed slightly without knowing, and Brent seemed to noticed because he smirked. after Sam finally walked away, I smiled a little. "thanks for-" I began to say but was cut off my mason. "it's fine". he said before grabbing his lunch tray and walking away without saying another word.

***Brent's POV***:

Korinne sat beside Mason and we got to talking. soon enough, someone I wasn't familiar with came up to her. "not gonna sit with me today, babe?" he said. I don't know him, but I can tell he's not a good person. I could see Korinne was uncomfortable with him being around but I didn't know what to do about it. next thing I knew, Mason grabbed ahold of Sam's collar and glared at him. "can't you see she's uncomfortable? just leave her alone". my brother isn't usually the one to stick up for people. this was a rare occurrence. I looked over and saw a slight blush on Korinne's cheeks, and I smirked, signalling that I could see her blushing. "thanks for-" "it's fine" my brother cut her off. as he walked away, I looked at Korinne and saw her looking a little disappointed. "you alright?" I asked reassuringly. she looks up at me and smiles. "yeah. I just wanted to thank him for getting Sam off my back" she said, still sounding kinda sad. "Well, he obviously has taken a liking to you. Mason doesn't usually stand up for people." I replied, quickly making it clear that my brother was interested in her. her face immediately lit up and she smiled again.

\*\*\*AFTER SCHOOL...

Korinne's POV***:

Damn.. why did I blush? I mean, Brent obviously noticed. I can't let it happen again... I won't.. awesome.. only the first day of school and I already have to avoid somebody.. my internal monologue was cut short as my best friend, Samira, ran up to me. "Korinne!! who was that!?" she yelled. not in an angry way, but more of a shocked way. "uh.. who..?" I replied, completely oblivious to what she meant. "the cute boy with the Amber eyes!" she frantically explained. "oh. Mason? he's uh.. I don't know actually. I guess we're sort of Acquaintance right now". I muttered quietly. "My best friend senses are telling me that he's your soulmate." she said with a smirk. a blush spread across my cheeks, mostly from embarrassment. "Samira, I've known him for only a few-" I tried to say, but got cut off. "SOULMATES." Samira is a bit persistent. I swear, she doesn't back down from things like this. so it's best to just nod and go along. after my long *** conversation with Samia, I hopped on my Motorcycle and drove home, In high hopes my dad wouldn't be there.

Korinne's POV:

shortly after leaving school, I arrived home to see my dad's jeep in the driveway. I was in the driveway for less than 30 seconds when I heard "Korinne! get your *** inside!" it was my father. he HATES me. "I'm coming..." I said shakily. I went inside to be greeted by a sharp SLAP to the face. it took everything in me to not cry right then and there. "W-Why are you home..?" I muttered quietly, my voice breaking. "I got a call from your school. I knew you were a no good *****. You're failing all of your classes!" he shouted. "I-Im sorry, dad..." I said quietly, only to be met with another SLAP.

let me explain. My dad, Travis, hates my guts. well, that part was obvious. My mom died giving birth to me and he blames me for it. My brother doesn't know what my dad does to me.. Nor does anyone. not even my best friend.

"Go upstairs and pack your things. you're out of here." I heard from my father. "what..?" "you heard me, korinne! you deserve to see what the world is like and what happens to sluts like you." he snapped back. "i-im not leaving!" boy did I regret saying that.. SLAP. He grabbed my wrist tightly. I could already feel the bruise forming. he pulled me closer to him. "you will be packed and gone in an hour. anything you don't take will be burnt.". I struggled to get away from him but his grip was too strong. next thing I knew, I kicked him in the shin, making him release me. I took the opportunity to run outside and down the street. well just my luck, as I was running, I ran into a familiar person. Mason. goddamnit. why not?

"uh.. Korinne?" he asks. "h-hey, Mason.."

Mason's POV:

Okay Okay. MAYBE I was a bit harsh on her. I shouldn't have just walked away. I.. don't do well in social situations as you might've noticed. so, here I am. Korinne's neighborhood. I got her address from Samira. I didn't realize how close together we live. "Jesus Christ..." I muttered under my breath. I stopped walking. "what am I even gonna say to her? 'oh, I'm sorry being such an asshole earlier. please accept my apology and be my friend?', nope. probably not." I continued walking for a bit before stopping again. "this is stupid. why don't I just wait until I see her at school tomorrow?" I sighed. I turned around to start walking home. "No, Mason. you owe this girl an apology. grow a pair and just do it." after debating with myself for awhile I finally start walking towards her house again, only to be cut off by Korinne herself. she crashed into my chest and fell to the ground. before I could say anything, I noticed her face was red and her wrist was bruised. that didn't just happen. "uh.. Korinne?" I asked, confused. I stared at her for a moment before she finally spoke. "h-hey, Mason.." she chuckled awkwardly. it was kinda cute actually. no. she's hurt. ask why. I helped her up and looked at her sternly. "are you okay?" I grabbed her hand and looked at her wrist. I could tell she was in a massive amount of pain because she winced loudly after I grabbed her hand. I then let her hand go and backed up. "Sorry." I apologized. "No.. No. it's okay.." she smiled, but I could tell she's hurting inside. and I did the unexpected. I HUGGED her. Shortly after, I began to here quiet sobs coming from Korinne. "it's gonna be okay.. you don't have to tell me if you don't want to..." I reassured her. "u-um.. can I.. stay with you and Brent for a little while..?" she asked between her sobs. I quickly pulled away and stared at her in confusion. "uh.. yeah.. sure-" I replied, not exactly sure what I was getting myself into. We went back to her house where she packed up her things and I took her back to my place. "Hey, dumbass, we got a visitor!" I yelled to my brother. he then came downstairs with just a towel wrapped around his waist. "what did you say, Mason?" he took one quick glance at Korinne, who was awkwardly waving, and then back at the towel he was wearing. "F*ck..." he said, showing he was embarassed. "I said, Korinne is gonna be staying with us and Mom for a little while until she can find her own place." I explained to him. "I hope it's not too much trouble.." she muttered shyly. "N-No! not at all!" my idiot brother yelled as he ran back upstairs to change. Korinne then wrapped an arm around my shoulder and Smiled. "it's like I'm living with two new brothers!" she said and laughed before she grabbed her suitcases. "so, where's my room?" "Well.. about that.. we have to share mine." I told her, visibly embarassed. I could tell she was embarassed too because she was about as red as a tomato. "is.. that a problem..?" I muttered. "N-No.. Not at all.."

Korinne's POV:

"I've only been living with Mason and Brent for 3 months. it's not that Bad, Samira." I reassure my best friend. "2 guys!! and you are sharing Mason's room!"

she wasn't wrong. it's not like we share the bed or anything. I mean, Mason sleeps on the floor, which i feel bad about. "they're like brothers to me" I lied. Overtime Mason and I have gotten closer. Brent is like a brother to me and Mason is.. well.. he's the one who protects me now.. I feel safe with him.. I.. I love him.. "you're gonna get hurt, Kor.. I don't wanna see you hurt.." she said sadly. as much as i hate to say it, she's right.. Mason and i come from completely different crowds.. even if he did like me back, we'd be broken up within a week.. Oh.. speak of the devil.. He's here.. as usual, he came up to me and gave me my morning noogie. how fun. "so, what are you ladies up to?" Mason asked, curious as if he heard his name. I don't know if you've realized but I'm kind of in the bro-zone. He's fun to hang with but he doesn't see me in the "romantic" way of things. I'm basically like a little sister. "we were just talking about your budding romance with Korinne here" Samira said confidently. "yeah. we were just- WHAT!? NO NO NO. that is not what we were talking about!!". I screamed out. Mason let out a soft chuckle and acted as if Sami never even said anything. "Well, when you get home, mom wants to talk to you bout something."

Osana? what could she need from me? am I being kicked out!? "oh, and don't worry. you're not being kicked out." oh how happy I am to hear that. "okay? what does she need then?" I asked, pretty concerned. "just come home early, okay? you're gonna be excited." he said before running off.

"what do you think that's about?" Samira asked. to be honest, I don't know. I'm kinda worried myself. "I'm not sure. I hope it's nothing bad." "well, you should go home and see what she needs". Maybe she's right. I'll hurry up I guess. "yeah. okay. I'll see you later." I said before getting onto my motorcycle and going back home. I entered the house and went to Osana's bedroom. "um.. Osana..? I heard you wanted to see me?" I looked around her room and saw her in the closet. I entered the closet. "oh hey, dear." she said. "hey, mason said you wanted to talk to me."

"yes, dear. come. sit down". we went and sat on her bed. "I'm thrilled to have you here, Korinne. I've never seen the boys so happy. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but Mason was sort of an *** before you came to live with us". She said, laughing at her own joke. I chuckled as well. "Yeah. I could tell. he-" "and that's what I wanted to talk to you about" she interrupted. "oh?" what is she even gonna say? "I give you permission to date my son." NOT AT ALL WHAT I THOUGHT SHE WAS GONNA SAY. "D-Date Mason!? what gave off the impression that I wanted to!?" I sort of shouted. she just laughed. "I see how the two of you are. you're like best friends. and if there's anything I know, it's that friends are more likely to make a successful couple." I don't even know what to say at this point. Mason is in the other room.. OH MY GOD. MASON IS IN THE OTHER ROOM. WHAT IF HE CAN HEAR?! suddenly my phone went off. it was a text from Mason.

[Bold is Mason. Italic is Korinne]

[Emo Boy]

Mom is hammering you, huh?

[Kor<3]

Ehh.. not exactly, lol.

[Emo Boy]

What is she talking to you about?

[Kor <3]

Just.. Christmas stuff.

[Emo Boy]

Oh yeah! that's right around the corner.

[Kor <3]

Right.. haha..

[Emo Boy]

Has she given you the "permission to date Mason" speech yet?

[Kor <3]

That's right! you said I'd be happy this talk! you knew she'd say that!

[Emo Boy]

Well obviously. ****I know you're into me. Samira is a bit of a chatterbox, lmao****

[Kor <3]

No kidding. ABOUT THE CHATTERBOX PART.

[Emo Boy]

Well, you better get back to mom before she knocks you on the head. she hates when you text in conversation.

Delivered 2:16pm

[Emo Boy]

Korinne? Hello?

Delivered 2:20pm

As you probably guessed, Osana bonked me on the head so I put my phone down mid conversation with mason. no big deal. I'll talk to him later.

"So.. you said I can date him..?" I asked. "of course, dear. as far as I'm concerned, you're already like a daughter to me." she said and then hugged me. I choked back some tears. that's the first time anyone was happy to have me as their child. Which reminds me.. my father... When my brother finds out what dad has done to me, he won't be happy...

Mason's POV:

she probably got bonked. whatever. she'll be fine. I wonder if Samira was right.. does Korinne really like me? I mean, we're pretty close actually.. "Hey, Brent! come here for a minute!" I shouted to my idiotic brother. he ran downstairs faster than I could talk. "What's up, bro?" "Can I talk to you about.. a girl problem..?" Brent gasped at my question and I swear I saw his eyes glow. he was so happy I asked. "Big brother goes to little brother for love advice? hohoho~" he said snarkily. "so What's the problem with you and Korinne?" he asked. "I never said the problem was with Korinne." I replied. "Oh sorry. who is the problem about?" "um.. Korinne.." I felt ashamed that he already knew. "HAH! I knew it! I know you're in love with her!" WHAT!? "No! i- no.. I just like her! THAT'S ALL!" I don't know why I'm being so defensive... "calm down big brother. when do you wanna tell her?" hmm.. "well.. I guess at the Christmas Eve party.." I have to admit, it'll be nice seeing Her in a party dress.. maybe we'll end up under the mistletoe... and we'll share a ki- SNAP OUT OF IT MASON. "that's good! she's gonna be ecstatic! I just know it. any girl would be lucky to have you."

I smiled at his words.. "thanks bro.."