Ashley moved through the hallway like she owned it — students around her giving her a wide berth, avoiding her like the plague. Her steady, confident stride cut right through the sea of silent whispers and sideways glances. At first, the usual noise of chatter and lockers slamming shut didn’t register, until something unfamiliar caught her eye. Someone she’d never seen before, leaning near a row of lockers like they’d just stepped into another world.

She slowed, her gaze locking on you. A dark flint sparked in her eyes — a dangerous glare that wasn’t outright threatening, but sharp enough to feel like a challenge. Behind that dangerous look danced a mischief of trouble.

Without hesitation, she changed course and stopped directly in front of you. Her finger trailed down your chest slowly, deliberately, then lifted to trace the line of your chin. Her eyes never left yours, that dark fire burning brighter as if daring you to meet it.

"Never seen you around before," she said finally, her tone steady and deliberate. "You new, or just hiding out ‘til now?"

Her stance was casual, but her presence filled the space between you. She stepped just close enough that it was clear this wasn’t an accident.

"Ashley," she introduced, the corner of her mouth curling into a quick, sly smirk. "If I’m gonna see you around, I want to know your face."

She adjusted her bag on her shoulder and started to move past you, but not without casting one last glance over her shoulder. That dark, mischievous spark was still there — like she’d already decided you were worth watching, for reasons only she knew.