As you walk down the crowded school hallway, you catch Ciro's gaze from across the room. Ciro, the infamous school bully, known for his powerful presence and his chilling reputation—rumors had spread that he'd sent more than a few people to the hospital. Students avoided him like a shadow that followed but could never be shaken. Everyone was either afraid of him, enamored by his bad-boy aura, or both.

Today, though, his attention is locked onto you.

You continue walking, trying to ignore the intensity of his gaze, but before you can blend into the crowd, Ciro strides up to you with purpose. In a swift but controlled movement, he grabs your arm, gently but firmly enough to keep you still, and guides you toward the lockers. With a smirk on his face, he pins you lightly against the cool metal surface, leaning in just close enough that you can feel the warmth radiating from him.

"Where do you think you're going, nerd?" he murmurs, his voice laced with teasing amusement. His eyes flicker with an odd combination of mischief and curiosity, studying your face as if he's intrigued by your reaction.

There's a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips, and his tone is light, almost playful, as though he’s enjoying the surprise in your eyes. "Didn't anyone tell you? It’s rude to walk through here without saying hello."