In this world, everyone learned the difference early.
Mer were born broad-shouldered, strong-boned, voices deep and commanding.
Fer were softer—slender frames, delicate features, bodies capable of carrying life.
And it a world like Earth
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The fluorescent lights of Riverside High flickered overhead as Kai Mercer leaned against the lockers, his muscular frame relaxed but commanding attention. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and his expensive watch caught the light as he checked the time. Around him, his friends gathered—other mers from wealthy families who ruled the school's social hierarchy.
"I'm bored," Theo announced, scrolling through his phone. His family owned hotels across the country, and he treated everything like a business transaction.
Marcus grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "How about a bet? Make things interesting."
The group huddled closer as students rushed past to their classes. Across the hallway, a slender fer hurried by, arms full of textbooks. His oversized glasses kept sliding down his nose, and he pushed them up absently. His uniform was neat but obviously not expensive like theirs.
"See that fer?" Marcus pointed. "Adrian Wells. Biggest nerd in school."
Kai's eyes followed Adrian's retreating form. He'd noticed him before—the way Adrian bit his lip when concentrating, how he always sat alone at lunch.
"What about him?" Kai asked, keeping his voice neutral.
"First one to sleep with him wins. Ten thousand from each of us." Marcus pulled out his phone. "Fifty grand total."
The others laughed, already transferring money. Kai felt something uncomfortable twist in his chest. He'd played these games before, but this felt different. Wrong.
But he heard himself say, "I'm in."
His friends cheered. The bet was set. Fifty thousand dollars to whoever could seduce Adrian Wells first. It was cruel, but Kai had never backed down from a challenge.
Meanwhile,Adrian was organizing his locker when a shadow fell across him. He turned to find Kai Mercer standing there, holding out a notebook.
"You dropped this," Kai said.
Adrian stared. "That's not mine."
"I know." Kai's smile was soft, different from his usual smirk. "But I needed an excuse to talk to you."
Adrian's heart raced. This had to be a prank. Kai Mercer didn't talk to people like him. "Why?"
"Because I've been watching you, Adrian Wells. I think you're interesting."
No one had ever called Adrian interesting before. The word felt like a gift, but every logical part of his brain screamed warnings.
"I have to go to class," Adrian stammered, clutching his books.
"Let me walk you."
They walked together, and Adrian felt every eye on them. People stared openly. Someone whispered, "Is that Kai Mercer with the nerd?"
Kai seemed unbothered. He matched his stride to Adrian's, occasionally bumping their shoulders. "I heard you're top of our class. That's impressive."
"I just study hard," Adrian mumbled.
"That's what makes it impressive. Anyone can coast on talent. Dedication is rare."
They reached Adrian's classroom too quickly. Adrian hesitated, unsure what to say.
"Same time tomorrow?" Kai asked. "I could meet you at your locker?"
Adrian knew he should say no. Should protect himself. But when he looked into Kai's eyes, he saw something that seemed genuine.
"Okay," he whispered.
__
"You don't have to do this," Adrian said as Kai held the café door open. Three days had passed since their first conversation, and Kai had been there every morning, walking him to classes, sitting with him at lunch despite the shocked stares.
"Do what?" Kai slid into the booth across from him.
"Pretend to be interested in me. Whatever joke this is—"
"It's not a joke." Kai's voice was firm. "Adrian, I like you. Is that so hard to believe?"
Yes. It was impossible. Fers like him didn't end up with mers like Kai. But when Kai smiled at him, Adrian wanted to believe anyway.
"Tell me about yourself," Kai said. "What makes you happy? What do you dream about?"
No one had ever asked Adrian that. People saw his grades, his scholarship, his second-hand clothes and thought they knew everything.
"I want to write stories," Adrian admitted. "About people like us. About fers who aren't just defined by marriage or children. Stories where we're the protagonists of our own lives."
Kai's eyes lit up. "That's incredible. Have you written anything?"
"Some short stories. Nothing good." Adrian's cheeks heated. "It's probably stupid."
"It's not stupid." Kai reached across the table, his hand covering Adrian's. "If that's your dream, you should chase it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Adrian looked at their hands together and felt something shift in his chest. Maybe this could be real.
Saturday evening, Kai took Adrian to the pier. The sunset painted everything orange and pink. Adrian had never felt so aware of himself—of how close Kai stood, of the way their hands almost touched.
"My parents want to meet you," Kai said suddenly.
Adrian nearly stumbled. "What?"
"Next weekend. Family dinner. They're curious about who's been taking up all my time."
"Kai, I don't think that's a good idea. Your parents—they're important people. I'm just—"
"You're not 'just' anything." Kai stopped walking and turned to face him. "You're smart, kind, funny when you let yourself relax. You see the world differently than anyone I've ever met. My parents will love you because I—" He stopped, seeming to catch himself.
"Because you what?" Adrian's voice was barely a whisper.
"Because you matter to me."
The words hung between them. Then Kai leaned in slowly, giving Adrian time to pull away. But Adrian didn't move. Their lips met softly under the pier lights, and Adrian felt like he was living in one of those stories he dreamed of writing.
When they pulled apart, Kai rested his forehead against Adrian's. "Say you'll come to dinner."
"Okay," Adrian breathed.
The Mercer estate made Adrian's stomach drop. The mansion sat behind iron gates, surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. Kai's driver pulled up to the front entrance, and Adrian suddenly felt completely out of his depth.
"Hey," Kai squeezed his hand. "They're going to love you. I promise."
Inside, everything was elegant and expensive. Kai's parents waited in a sitting room—his mer father tall and imposing in a tailored suit, his fer father graceful and warm in more casual clothes.
"So you're Adrian," Mr. Mercer said, his tone unreadable.
"Yes, sir." Adrian's voice came out steadier than he felt.
"Kai talks about you constantly," Mr. Soren, Kai's fer father, smiled kindly. "He's never brought anyone home before."
Dinner was surprisingly pleasant. Mr. Soren asked about Adrian's studies and dreams, genuinely interested in his answers. Mr. Mercer observed quietly but not unkindly. Kai kept touching Adrian's hand under the table, small reassurances that he belonged there.
As they were leaving, Mr. Mercer pulled Adrian aside. "My son is impulsive. But he's never been serious about anyone before you. Whatever this is between you two, don't take it lightly."
Adrian wanted to laugh. As if he could break Kai Mercer's heart. As if he had that kind of power.
But as they drove home, Kai's hand in his, Adrian let himself believe that maybe, just maybe, this was real.