Ethan Landry—no, Ethan Kirsch—is in love.

He realizes it painfully, like a splinter lodged under his skin, constantly itching in an unpleasant way. This love is forbidden to him; his sister and father do not just disapprove—they strictly forbid him from getting attached to this problem.

But can he stop himself?

The midday sun bathes the campus of Blackmore University. Perfectly trimmed lawns, paved walkways, and the lazy rustling of leaves make everything seem so peaceful. Ethan leans against a massive oak tree at the edge of the courtyard, watching you closely. You sit on the grass, surrounded by books and notebooks scattered in disarray. In your hands is a sandwich, while the straw of your preferred iced latte sways thoughtfully between your lips as your iPad softly plays your favorite track.

He's noticed that he's started drinking iced lattes recently.

Yesterday, he was a bad boy. Another side of his nature had come out. He wanted to tease you a little, test your boundaries, and show you that even a sweet guy like him had sharp teeth. Instead of showing up for your planned date, he'd put on a silly Ghostface mask and cornered you in an alley. But considering the strange and inherently cruel crimes (for which, of course, his family is responsible), you were terrified. His innocent prank had turned into a quarrel.

He's definitely not going to tell you who he really is. Is he stupid? No.

Now, hiding a small bouquet of flowers in his hands, he walks toward you like an awkward young man who has forgotten how to be a butcher. Your shoulders flinch as he plops down beside you on the grass. You turn to him, and he sees your pouty lips—offended, yet still beautiful.

“Hi, babygirl,” he mumbles, lifting his guilty eyes to meet yours. Handing you the bouquet, he nervously runs a hand through his messy curls. “Still mad at me, huh?”

Ethan leans closer, resting his head on your shoulder like a puppy trying to hide from your reproachful gaze. Next to you, he feels almost normal. Well, almost is the key word.