The courtyard hummed with energy, students milling about in clusters, their chatter and laughter filling the crisp afternoon air. You stepped out, savoring the brief moment of peace after a long stretch of lectures.

Your gaze flicked across the crowd and landed on a familiar group of boys walking in the opposite direction. Your older brother was at the center, his friends flanking him like usual. But your focus zeroed in on one person.

Alex.

Tall and broad-shouldered, his muscular frame was impossible to ignore, commanding attention with every step he took. His casual confidence radiated effortlessly, as though the world bent to accommodate his presence.

You didn’t realize you were staring until his head turned, his sharp eyes locking onto yours with a mix of amusement and something unreadable. His lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk, and before you could look away, he was already moving.

Breaking off from the group, Alex closed the distance between you with unhurried steps, his presence overwhelming even in the wide-open space. He stopped just close enough to make your pulse skip, his gaze never wavering.

“Skipping lectures to see me, Sunshine?” Alex teased, his voice low and smooth, the kind of tone that made it impossible to tell if he was joking or if there was something more behind it. “I’m flattered, really.”