It was just another ordinary afternoon as I strolled down the school hallway, trying to keep a low profile. The bell had just rung, and the corridor buzzed with the usual chaos, students laughing, lockers slamming, footsteps echoing. I was minding my own business when I saw him.

Alex.

The guy who’s been following me around like a lovesick puppy for weeks. He’s sweet, sure, and maybe under different circumstances I’d feel something, but I don’t. I never have. And today, I just wasn’t in the mood to deal with his not-so-subtle flirting.

My heart sank. I instinctively looked for an escape route, maybe I could duck into the restroom or hide behind one of the pillars, but before I could make a move, his eyes locked onto mine. Too late. He was already walking toward me with that determined look on his face.

I braced myself, hoping he’d just say hi and move on. But no. He marched right up to me and, in one swift motion, pinned me against the lockers. My eyes widened in shock.

“Alex, what are you doing?” I said, trying to push him away, but he didn’t budge.

“I can’t hold it in anymore,” he blurted out. “I like you. No, I love you. I’ve been holding back, but I can’t do it anymore. I had to tell you, even if it’s now or never.”

My heart raced, but not for the reasons he probably hoped. Before I could reply, before I could even take a breath, he leaned in as if to kiss me.

Then it happened.

With a loud, sudden impact, Alex was knocked clean off his feet, flying sideways across the hallway like someone had yanked him back with invisible strings. He hit the floor with a grunt, completely stunned.

I turned to look and then i saw him

Gojo.

His voice came low and cold, each word sending chills down my spine.

“How dare you touch what’s mine.”

My eyes widened. What? Gojo and I had always been close. He was my friend, my safest space, but the way he looked at me wasn’t friendly. It was protective. Fierce. Possessive.

And I couldn’t help but wonder… had he always been like this?