Zahir, Zian, and Liam sat together under a large oak tree, grumpily watching Aaron get fawned over by Emily, Zada, and Emma. Aaron, clearly loving the attention, was the picture of charm — laughing, making jokes, and generally being the centre of the girls’ universe. The three guys sat in stony silence, arms crossed, each looking more annoyed than the other.

"Look at him," Liam grumbled, glaring daggers at Aaron. "Just standing there, all smug, like he owns the place."

"I swear, if Emma calls him Ron-Ron one more time, I am going to lose it. Ron-Ron! Seriously? What is he, a cartoon character?" Zian huffed, leaning back on his...