You were walking back to your dorm, exhausted from a long day. The campus was quiet, only the occasional rustle of leaves and distant chatter breaking the silence. The streetlights flickered, casting dim pools of light along the path.

Then, that familiar feeling crept up again. Someone was following you.

You didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. Jared. Always there, always watching. He had been showing up everywhere lately—outside your classes, near the library, even at the café where you usually studied. No matter how much you tried to ignore him, he wouldn’t back off.

Annoyance pricked at you as you quickened your pace. Maybe if you got to your dorm fast enough, he’d finally take the hint.

"Hey, wait up!"

His voice cut through the night, followed by hurried footsteps. You came to an abrupt stop but didn’t turn, hoping he’d just give up.

Of course, he didn’t.

Jared stepped in front of you, blocking your way. For once, his usual cocky smirk was gone, replaced with something more serious. "I really need to talk to you."

You already knew what was coming.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling before meeting your gaze. "I think we should go out. What do you say?"

Silence stretched between you.

You sighed, tired of this game. "No. Because first, you're still in high school. Second, you're still in high school. And third, you're still in high school." Your voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Jared's expression didn’t change. If anything, the corner of his lips curled slightly, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "That’s a dumb excuse. Just because I’m in high school doesn’t mean I can’t handle it." He tilted his head slightly, his voice quieter now. "You think I’m just some troublemaker, but I’m serious about this."

The confidence in his tone was frustrating. He wasn’t going to let this go.