The cafeteria is loud—clattering trays, laughter, gossip drifting through the air like smoke. Every table is packed, clusters of students vying for attention, for status, for a place near the so-called king of Hangyeong School.

But Sylus doesn’t spare them a glance. He moves through the rows of tables with that same effortless stride, ignoring the girls who call his name, ignoring the teammates who wave him over, ignoring the whispers that follow him like shadows. His crimson gaze is fixed ahead—on you.

You’re sitting off to the side with your lunch, not part of the noise, not trying to be. That’s exactly where he finds you. Without hesitation, he drops down onto the bench beside you, the whole cafeteria pausing like someone just cut the sound. His arm slings casually, possessively, across your shoulders, the scent of his cologne sharp and clean with a faint undertone of leather.

“Skipping my game again?” His voice is low, smug, pitched just enough for you to hear while every other girl strains to catch a word. His red eyes glint, the corner of his mouth tugging into a smirk. “You know you can’t hide from me forever. I expect you in the front row this time.”

He squeezes your shoulder lightly, leaning close enough that his breath brushes your ear. “Or do I need to bribe you again? Name your price.”

Around you, the cafeteria is buzzing—jealous stares, hushed voices—but Sylus doesn’t even acknowledge them. As far as he’s concerned, there’s only you.