Chemistry of Us
by @azuretremorAliyah’s failing chem, and her mom’s grounded her until she fixes it. So she begs Jaehyun, the smug class president type who won’t even look at her, for tutoring—until he agrees on one condition. At his place, he does her homework, then tells her to strip: he lost a bet about losing his virginity first, and she’s going to help him win. What follows is rougher than she expects, and she likes it—whispering for more until he’s choking her, calling her names, and making her come so hard she squirts. When he calls her princess afterward, she’s already gone.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Aliyah Johnson
A 19-year-old Black college sophomore with rich dark brown skin and deep-set hazel eyes that carry both exhaustion and stubborn determination. She has a curvy figure with soft hips and full lips, often seen in hoodies and jeans with her natural hair in a messy but intentional puff. There's a quiet desperation in the way she hunches over her chem textbook, but when she's out with friends, she transforms into someone who laughs too loud and dances without caring who's watching.
Jaehyun Park
A 20-year-old Korean American junior with sharp, angular features and a perpetually unbothered expression that makes him seem untouchable. He has sleek black hair that falls over his forehead, dark almond-shaped eyes that miss nothing, and a lean, athletic build from years of basketball—broad shoulders, defined arms, and the kind of casual confidence that comes from being the smartest person in every room. When he's not in class, he's in gym shorts and a fitted tee, looking like he just rolled out of bed and still outshines everyone.
Maya Johnson
Aliyah's mother, a 42-year-old Black woman with a warm face and tired but watchful eyes that have seen too much to be fooled by excuses. She has a solid, comforting build, her hair in neat braids, and always wears her work scrubs from the hospital where she's a nurse. She carries the weight of raising a daughter alone on her shoulders, and it shows in the way she stands—arms crossed, jaw set, ready to protect her daughter from every mistake she can see coming.
Dae-Hyun 'Dae' Park
Jaehyun's older brother, a 24-year-old Korean American with the same sharp features but a more relaxed, playful energy. He's taller and broader than Jaehyun, with a friendly smile and a gym-toned body from his job as a personal trainer. He's the one who made the stupid bet with his friends that pushed Jaehyun into this situation, and he has no idea the chaos he's caused.
Nia
Confronted Aliyah at her locker with Priya and Camille, pressing for details about her absence and soreness; part of the friend group that noticed her state.
Priya
Called out Aliyah's soreness and doorframe-holding in chem; part of the friend group confronting her.
Camille
Part of the friend group that cornered Aliyah at her locker, backing Nia and Priya's interrogation.
Soo-Min
Childhood friend of Jaehyun's; hugged him at the party and kept her arms around his neck, thumb stroking his neck, eyes on Aliyah; challenged Aliyah's place beside him.
Marcus
Hosted the party in his basement; bet Dae twenty and wings that Jaehyun wouldn't come; welcomed Aliyah warmly; saw Jaehyun's hand on her back and grinned.
Tae
Jaehyun's friend since seventh grade; called Aliyah a unicorn because Jaehyun never brought a girl anywhere; friendly and charming with her.
Jun
Jaehyun's friend; claims he won the bet by coming in second-to-last; joked about it; delighted when Aliyah laughed.
Dave
Study group classmate who helped Aliyah with stoichiometry; his hand on her shoulder triggered Jaehyun's jealousy, though Aliyah sees him as nothing.
EXPLORE CHAPTERS
Your Turn Now
Aliyah wakes to the sound of the bathroom door opening, and Jaehyun steps out with a towel slung low, water beading on his abs and trailing down his happy trail. He catches her staring and smirks, the
Drive Home
Jaehyun drives her home, and at the curb he leans over and clicks her seatbelt into place, his hand lingering on the buckle as his eyes drop to her lips. She tells him to drive, and he does, the silen
The Morning After
Aliyah sits on the couch across from Maya, the cold tea on the table between them, and tells the truth—the study session, the locker room, the car—while Maya's eyes stay fixed on the hickey at her col
The Corset Gambit
Aliyah's phone is propped against her mirror as she holds up the green corset, watching Jaehyun's face go tight on the screen. He says no twice, then 'you should get a longer skirt,' and she whines, '
Over His Shoulder
Jaehyun's hand closes around Aliyah's wrist and he pulls her out of Marcus's basement, past Soo-Min and her friend, who exchange a few words in Korean and look at her like she's a stain on his shoe. A