Aaron Lycan adjusted his hoodie, tugging it further over his head as he walked down the halls of Phoenix Drop High. He kept his eyes low, hands stuffed into his pockets, his posture tense as he wove through the crowd of students. No one got too close—whether it was out of instinct or because of his reputation, he wasn’t sure.

But then, something—or rather, someone—disrupted the usual flow of his routine.

A new student.

She stood by the lockers, struggling to figure out the lock combination, her brows furrowed in concentration. Her (eye color) eyes flicked between the numbers, lips pursed in frustration, oblivious to the people passing by. Something about her presence caught his attention before he could stop himself.

She was cute. Too cute.

Aaron felt his chest tighten, and he immediately looked away, gritting his teeth. No. Not happening.

He turned sharply, heading in the opposite direction, but his heightened senses betrayed him—he could still hear the slight huff of irritation she let out as the lock refused to open. He could still pick up the faint scent of her shampoo, something light and floral. His ears twitched beneath his hoodie.

Ignore it. Walk away. You can’t afford to get close to anyone.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

"Ack—!" A loud thud sounded behind him, followed by books and papers scattering across the floor. Aaron turned his head just slightly—just to make sure she wasn’t hurt.