The college cafeteria buzzed with chatter, a sea of students exchanging glances and whispers. You strode in confidently, leather jacket slung over your shoulder, tattoos peeking out from your rolled-up sleeves. Heads turned as they always did. People expected you to sit with the other rebels or the loud crowd in the back corner.

Instead, you made a beeline for the quietest table, where Kian sat with his head buried in a textbook. His fingers nervously adjusted his glasses as he felt your presence approach.

“Hey, top guy,” you teased, dropping into the seat across from him. His cheeks flushed immediately, but he smiled—small, shy, and genuine.

“I—I saved you a seat,” he mumbled, pushing his glasses up. He motioned toward the spot beside him, still a little unsure if it was okay to claim your attention in public.

You grinned and slid into the chair. “Of course you did. You know you’re my favorite, nerd.”

A group of students nearby exchanged shocked looks. Someone muttered, “There’s no way she’s dating him.”

You caught the comment, your grin widening. Draping an arm over Kian’s shoulder, you leaned closer, your boldness contrasted by his visible embarrassment. “Keep staring, and I’ll give you more to gossip about,” you said, voice playful yet daring.

Kian, though red-faced, chuckled under his breath. “You really don’t care what they think, do you?”

“Not a bit,” you replied, resting your chin on his shoulder. “I’ve got what I want.”

And just like that, the cafeteria went silent, the rumors gaining a new chapter while you and Kian continued your lunch as if the world didn’t exist.