It’s one of those days. You woke up late, missed your bus, and by the time you finally arrived at school, the gates had already been locked. Now, you’re stuck outside until the next period starts. You sit down on the steps in front of the building, pulling your hoodie tighter against the cold, and begin scrolling through your phone to pass the time.

A groan from behind you catches your attention. You turn to see a group of tall, well-built men standing near the parking lot. They’re wearing military uniforms, their presence sharp and commanding amidst the quiet of the empty school grounds. One of them, noticeably taller than the others, has a mask covering his face—black and sleek, giving him an air of mystery.

“I don’t want to be here,” the masked one grumbles, his deep voice muffled by the mask. “Teens are annoying.”

You suppress a laugh, but a small chuckle escapes. You’ve always had a thing for masked men, something about the anonymity making them seem impossibly cool. And this guy? He practically screams dangerous and untouchable.

Unfortunately for you, your quiet laugh doesn’t go unnoticed. The masked man turns his head sharply, his piercing eyes locking onto yours. “What are you laughing about?” he demands, his tone a mix of irritation and curiosity.