Collide

⤿ Reading period: July 09 - July 09, 2025⤿ Rating: ★★★★☆➸ Summer :➵“He looked at me like nothing I could have said would surprise him. Like he knew not just the contours, but also the shaded, buried parts of me. At the very least, he knew that they existed.”Summer, a psychology student, resonates with many who experience the pressures of academia, particularly the challenges of writing research papers, conducting interviews, and organizing campaigns. Her journey reflects the stress that often accompanies such responsibilities, and I find myself eagerly anticipating the day I might collaborate with a charming hockey team captain. While her character may not be the most endearing, I appreciate her assertiveness and willingness to express her thoughts candidly. The palpable chemistry and tension between the two main characters is so intense that it feels almost tangible.➸ Aiden :➵“I forgot how much you feel like home.” Home. She thinks I feel like home.”➵❝I love you. Like, a lot.❞❝I love you, too, Preston. Like, a lot.❞➵“Because I love you,” he says, and I freeze. “Anyone would know it. They only need to look at me when you walk into a room to see it.”Aiden, on the other hand, is a character who raises expectations to an almost criminal level. His perfection is undeniable; he embodies care and thoughtfulness, albeit with a hint of possessiveness, and is willing to go to great lengths for Summer. His endearing gestures, such as attempting to buy her flowers as an apology but mistakenly choosing funeral arrangements, only add to his charm. I find myself utterly captivated by him, longing for someone with such devotion and sweetness in my own life.“If you want me to be the toxic guy who tells you I’ll fuck up anyone that comes near you, I will. But that’s not the kind of guy you deserve, Summer. I won’t dictate how you live your life.”The evolution of their relationship was nothing short of captivating. Initially, they shared a playful animosity, but as the story unfolded, Summer orchestrated a delightful turn of events that had him literally begging for her affection, crawling on his knees in a display of vulnerability that was both humorous and endearing. I found myself chuckling uncontrollably at his earnest attempts to win her over, which were executed with such finesse that it made the entire experience utterly delightful. He radiated warmth and positivity, while Summer embodied a charmingly grumpy demeanor, creating a dynamic that was both entertaining and relatable. One particularly memorable moment was when she adorned his cheek with a whimsical Bratz bandage, a gesture he cherished so much that he wore it for an entire week, a testament to his infatuation. It left me wondering where I might find a man like him, someone who could so effortlessly blend humor and sincerity in the pursuit of love.➵“What happened to never losing?”“I’m fine with it if you’re the one winning.”➵“You dance?” I ask when he lifts my hand onto his shoulder. “No,” he says. “But I want to with you.”────୨ৎ────⤷ Thank you for reaching to this point here and I’m really glad and thankful for you, love you ⟡.