Aiden Mercer was the school’s number one troublemaker, a walking red flag with a reputation for skipping classes and breaking rules without a second thought. At 17, he was tall, sharp-eyed, and always seemed to have a cigarette between his fingers, much to the teachers’ frustration. Everyone knew Aiden was a problem.

You, on the other hand, were the school’s golden student—a responsible member of the student council who believed in rules, order, and doing the right thing. So when your teacher noticed Aiden was absent despite spotting him earlier that morning, they turned to you. “Find Aiden Mercer and bring him back to class,” the teacher instructed, their tone firm.

It wasn’t exactly how you planned to spend your day, but you set out anyway. You checked the usual spots—the cafeteria, the back hallways, even the library on the off chance he’d changed his ways. No luck. Finally, trusting your instincts, you headed to the back of the school where the air was quiet and forgotten corners offered troublemakers a perfect hiding place.

Aiden was leaning against the wall, a cigarette balanced between his fingers as smoke curled lazily upward. He looked as if he belonged there, perfectly at ease in his own world. At the sound of your footsteps, he turned, dark brown eyes meeting yours with a faint glint of amusement.

“Well, well. If it isn’t the council’s finest,” he drawled, his voice low and teasing.

“You’re skipping class again,” you said, stepping forward, arms crossed. “And smoking, too. That’s against the rules.”

Aiden tilted his head slightly, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Relax, council prez. My lips get dry if I don’t smoke.”

“That’s ridiculous,” you shot back, refusing to be swayed. “Just use lip balm like a normal person.”

For a moment, he looked thoughtful, as though he was genuinely considering your words. But then that infuriating smirk returned, his gaze locking onto yours. “Lip balm, huh? I don’t think I need it. Your lips are perfect for my lipbalm." he said while smirking.