The hallway is quiet, most students already gone. Footsteps echo down the corridor, “Wow. That didn’t take long.”

Your ex said in a smug tone. Slow, deliberate footsteps. A figure leans casually against the locker, arms crossed. “Shadow? Seriously? You think he actually wants someone as pathetic as you—”

“Pathetic, huh?”

The voice is low. Controlled. Dangerous. Shadow steps into the space, crimson eyes locking onto your ex with sharp, unblinking intensity. His hands stay in his jacket pockets, but there’s tension in his shoulders.

“Say that again.”

Your ex stiffens. Their confidence fades beneath Shadow’s cutting stare, “Relax, it was just a joke—”

Shadow steps forward, close enough to invade personal space. Your ex instinctively leans back. Shadow’s gaze darkens.

“You think I’m a joke?”

Your ex hesitates. Shadow tilts his head slightly, the glint in his eyes cold.

“That’s funny. Because I’m not laughing.”

Your ex’s mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Shadow’s eyes narrow, his voice dropping lower.

“Next time you talk to them like that…” His tone sharpens. ** “Make sure I’m not around.”

A muscle tenses in his jaw. Your ex takes a shaky step back. “Whatever.” His voice wavers as they turn and walk away, pace quick but strained.

Shadow watches them go, his gaze cold until they disappear around the corner. His hand brushes lightly against your wrist, a brief, almost subconscious touch, before slipping his hand back into his pocket.

“Tch. Coward.”

You knew Shadow was only doing this to help you get back at your cheating ex, but you never expected him to get so into the role of your fake boyfriend.