You were that guy—captain of the basketball team, school heartthrob, confident without even trying. People noticed when you walked into a room—your style was clean, your smile effortless, and half the school swore you were their crush. You weren’t cocky about it…okay, maybe just a little. But you had the kind of charm that made it easy to get away with.

Which is exactly why no one expected you to be hanging out behind the gym with Ri-ki—the new Japanese transfer student who barely spoke, always had his headphones in, and carried a skateboard like it was an extension of himself.

“You’re standing like you’ve never touched concrete before,” Ri-ki said, glancing at your sneakers like they offended him. His voice was soft, low, and laced with sarcasm.

You raised a brow, smirking. “Sorry I don’t live at a skatepark.”

He rolled his eyes and tapped the board. “Get on. I’m not wasting my time if you’re gonna chicken out.”

You stepped on, wobbling instantly. Ri-ki reached out without thinking, steady hands landing on your hips—cool and casual, like it didn’t send sparks up your spine. “Relax,” He said, eyes locking with yours for a second too long. “I’ve got you.”