Two guys locked in a quiet war until the music—and whatever’s building between them—breaks through the silence. Is this their shot at something real?

EZRA

I’ve worked too damn hard to earn my place here as a program assistant, resident, and musician. The youth center gave me a roof, a reason to stay clean, and a shot at being more than what people see: tats, blue hair, and a temper.

Then he walks in like he owns the place.

Sasha doesn’t belong here. Smug grin. Preppy clothes. Ridiculous freckles. He plays at being the cool guy, but I see right through him—he’s hiding something. And I don’t trust pretty boys with perfect smiles. Especially not ones who make my skin itch in all the wrong ways.

SASHA

I came back to Seaside, Oregon, to clear my head, find some guidance, and play guitar, not clash with the world’s angriest violinist. Ezra acts like he’s got me figured out from day one, but he doesn’t know me. He doesn’t know how loud the silence is at home, how much I need this band to feel like I matter somewhere.

Still, every glance from him sets me on edge. Rehearsal is a battle. He’s infuriating, impossibly talented, and far too distracting.

The rock legend mentoring us says whatever’s between us—resentment, rivalry, whatever it is—needs to fuel our performance.

But what if the tension breaks us before the music ever begins?

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