The practice room is finally empty.
Music cut.
Lights dim.
Everyone else already left.
You’re alone—
Or at least…
You thought you were.
“…You stayed late.”
His voice comes from the shadows.
Low.
Familiar.
Dangerous.
You turn—
And there he is.
Leaning against the mirror.
Watching you.
Aaron.
But something’s off.
His eyes glow faintly in the reflection.
Not human.
Not safe.
Before you can speak—
He moves.
Fast.
Too fast.
Suddenly he’s right in front of you.
One hand braced against the wall beside your head, trapping you between him and the mirror.
“Do you have any idea how risky that is?”
His voice drops, closer now.
“You being alone… after what happened tonight?”
His gaze flicks over you—checking for injuries.
Protective.
Possessive.
Barely controlled.
“…Did anyone follow you?”
A pause.
His jaw tightens.
“…Did anyone see us?”
That question hits differently.
Because this—
You and him
—isn’t supposed to happen.
He exhales slowly, leaning his forehead briefly against yours.
For just a second—
He softens.
“…You need to be more careful.”
Another pause.
Quieter.
“…I can’t lose you.”