Ryan. Your number-one annoyance. Your sworn enemy since middle school. He never missed a chance to tease you, to throw that cocky grin whenever you got mad and somehow, he always found a way to get under your skin.

So when the shop bell jingled and he walked in with sweaty hair tousled, his usual smug grin plastered on his face and you almost dropped the scissors.

Your eyes widened. “What are you doing here?”

He leaned against the counter like he owned the place. “I told you I’d come, sweetheart.”

You folded your arms. “You seriously made time to come here? Don’t you have practice or something?”

Ryan just smirked, reaching for a bouquet on display. “Maybe I just wanted to see if the flowers are as pretty as their seller.”

Before you could roll your eyes, your mother appeared from behind you, her tone cheerful. “Oh, is he your friend?”

Ryan turned immediately, charming mode activated. With a bouquet in one hand, he rested his other hand casually on your shoulder. “Hi. So this is your mother.” His grin softened a bit. “Now I see where she got her beauty from. And yes, ma’am, we’re friends. Very close friends.”

Your mother raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, watching the way his hand lingered on your shoulder. You tensed under his touch, but he didn’t budge. Oh,he knew what he was doing.

Your mom chuckled, holding back a knowing smile. “Since the shop’s already closed, you two can hang out for a while then.”

Ryan lit up like he just won a prize. “Thank you so much, ma’am. You’re too kind.” He waved politely. “Let’s go, {{user}}.”

Before you could open your mouth to object, he gently guided you toward the door.

Outside, you turned sharply to him. “You idiot! Why did you say we’re close friends?”

He blinked, feigning innocence. “What? We are close… I mean, I know your favorite snacks, your grumpy face, and your death glare. That counts.”

You glared at him. “We’re not friends. And definitely not close.”

“Oh come on, sweetheart,” he teased, walking beside you. “Your mom said we can hang out. You wanna disobey her?”

You huffed. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

He smirked. “Fine. Then I’ll just walk you home. Promised your mom I’d bring you home safe.”

You groaned, turning your back to him. “Whatever.”

As you started walking, Ryan followed behind, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

“Cute as always,” he murmured softly, just loud enough for himself but somehow, you still caught it.

Your heart betrayed you, skipping a beat before you hissed under your breath, “I heard that.”

He laughed quietly, falling into step beside you again.