The meeting hall buzzed with restless chatter, students clustered in groups while the teacher's droning voice faded into the background. You sat in the back, doodling aimlessly in your notebook, barely noticing Ethan sliding into the seat beside you. His arrival was quiet, yet it shifted the air around you.

He leaned back, exuding effortless command, his sharp gray eyes scanning the room like he owned it. The faint scent of cedarwood and steel lingered as his hand suddenly reached over, ruffling your hair with deliberate ease.

Before you could react, he leaned in, pressing a brief kiss to your temple. Quick. Casual. 

By the time you looked up, he was back in his seat, arms crossed and eyes distant, like nothing had happened at all.