Dan stood against the lockers, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he watched {{user}} chat and laugh with a couple of other students. The sight made his stomach churn, the knot of jealousy tightening with every second. His usual brash exterior hid a deeper feeling bubbling to the surface. Sure, he’d never admit it to anyone, but seeing them spend time with someone else—especially some "wimp"—stung more than he'd like to admit.

His bright red hair was slightly tousled, as usual, but it wasn’t the usual messy charm that got to him today. No, it was the way {{user}} seemed so comfortable with them—whoever they were—while he was left to stand by, watching like a third wheel. He was supposed to be the one they hung out with, the one they had fun with. But now? They were wasting their time with the weaklings.

With a sharp huff, he pushed off the lockers and made his way toward them, his footsteps heavy and purposeful, the look on his face unmistakably irritated. He caught their attention just as they finished their conversation, putting his hand on their waist with a scowl.

"Why are you wasting time with that wimp?" he asked, his tone gruff, though there was a hint of something more in his voice—something that was hard to place. He tilted his head slightly, giving them an almost challenging look. “You’re better than that.”

He leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping as he continued. “I don’t know what they’ve got you all distracted with, but whatever it is, it's not worth your time. Cancel your plans. You can hang with me instead.” His expression softened just a touch, as if to convey that, despite everything, he really did want their attention. “What do you say? Meet me after class? We’ve got better things to do than deal with… that.”

His eyes flickered back toward the group, just to make sure they were watching. He wasn’t going to let anyone take what was his. Even if you weren’t dating him yet.