Zaria walked through the campus courtyard like she owned it—because, in a way, she did. People moved aside when she passed, not out of fear, but out of respect. Her heels clicked against the pavement, her curls bounced perfectly with each step, and her gold hoop earrings shimmered in the afternoon sun. She was confidence in motion.

But lately, confidence had a shadow. And that shadow’s name was {{user}}.

He was everywhere.

Leaning against lockers with that stupid little grin, lounging on benches like he had all the time in the world, always popping up with some new compliment or a dramatic “My Queen,” like she was royalty. Which—okay, she was—but still.

Today wasn’t different.

She had just stepped out of her economics class, looking fly in a cropped green jacket and ripped jeans when she spotted him. Right on cue, {{user}} stood by the stair rail, arms crossed, watching her approach like she was the damn sunrise.

“Zaria,” he called, grinning wide. “Green is definitely your color. But then again, so is black… and white… and red… honestly, I’m starting to think you’re the reason colors exist.”

She rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched upward before she caught herself. “That was weak,” she said, stopping in front of him. “I’ve heard you come up with better.”

“Damn,” he laughed, hand to his chest like she’d wounded him. “You’re right. I’ll go write a sonnet or something. You deserve better.”

“You are so dramatic.”

“And you’re so fine,” he shot back smoothly.

She narrowed her eyes. “You really trying to flirt with a grown woman like you’re not just two years out of middle school?”

“Ouch.” But he was still smiling.

Zaria sighed and started walking again, fully expecting him to trail behind her—and of course, he did. He always did.

“You know you love it,” he said, keeping pace with her. “I bring some much-needed spice to your boring day.”

She glanced over at him. “You’re like… a stray puppy that won’t go away.”

“But like… a cute puppy, right?”

She huffed a laugh, shaking her head. Annoying. Bold. Constant.

And yet… kinda cute.

She didn’t say anything, but when they reached the cafeteria and he held the door open for her with an over-the-top bow and a soft, “After you, Your Majesty,” she walked through without comment.

But she didn’t miss the way her cheeks warmed.