Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson is known around Tommen for his endless jokes and easygoing charm. As the class clown, he keeps everyone laughing and rarely lets anyone see beyond the carefree image he presents. But beneath the humor lies a past that still haunts him—memories he hides behind wit and distraction.
Claire Biggs has always seen more in him than anyone else. Bright, warm, and endlessly optimistic, she grew up next door to Gibsie and has long considered him both a close friend and her favorite troublemaker. While others only notice his jokes, Claire recognizes the pain he tries to keep hidden.
As they grow older, their easy childhood friendship begins to shift into something more complicated. Boundaries blur, feelings deepen, and the connection between them is tested in ways neither expected. Now they must face whether their bond is strong enough to survive the truth—or if the risks of growing closer will pull them apart.