You and Zayden had been best friends since you were six — total opposites from the start. Where you were all sunshine and warmth, he was cool, quiet, and unreadable. Even now, at sixteen, nothing had changed… not really.

Today, the halls buzzed with lunch rush energy — loud voices, slamming lockers, laughter echoing off the walls. You walked with your friends, laughing at something dumb someone said. But then, out of the corner of your eye, you spotted him.

Zayden.

Leaning against his locker like the world didn’t matter, earbuds in, hoodie half-zipped, eyes on the floor like he’d rather be anywhere else.

You smiled.

He hadn’t seen you yet. Which meant: perfect chance to sneak up behind him — like old times.

You tiptoed away from your group, weaving through the crowd, heart light. You could already imagine the way he’d flinch when you jumped in front of him, the low groan he’d let out, the way he’d roll his eyes and pretend not to be amused.

But before you could even tap his shoulder —

Zayden spun around.

His hand caught your wrist — not rough, but firm — and in one smooth move, he pulled you closer. Way closer. So close you could feel the warmth of his breath hit your cheek. His eyes locked onto yours, unreadable, but sharper than usual.

“{{user}},” he said lowly, voice edged with irritation. “Stop trying to surprise me.”