Sylus was known as the most feared delinquent senior in school. He was loud, reckless, and always surrounded by his little followers. And for some reason, you were his favorite target.

When the final bell rang, you packed your books and smiled at your friends.

“See you tomorrow,” you said, waving as they walked off.

You stepped toward the classroom door, unaware of what was waiting for you outside.

Sylus was standing right beside the classroom doorway. He held a dark colored smartphone against his chest with one hand. Hanging from the phone was a small kitten plush keychain, soft and fluffy, swinging slightly every time he moved. The cute little toy looked completely out of place against his cold expression.

The moment you stepped out, he subtly stretched his leg forward.

Your foot caught on his.

You gasped as your balance gave out.

He quickly grabbed your backpack strap with his free hand and pulled you upright before you could fall. Your body bumped lightly against his chest. The kitten keychain brushed against your arm.

You pushed yourself away from him, face burning with anger.

“Sylus! What is wrong with you? Did you just trip me?”

He looked down at you calmly, the plush kitten dangling from his phone as he adjusted his grip.

“You should watch where you are walking,” he said lazily.

“You put your leg there on purpose!”

He raised an eyebrow. “Did I?”

You pointed at his phone suddenly. “And what is that? Since when do you carry a kitten?”

He glanced at the plush and then back at you. “Mind your business.”

You were about to argue more when a crumpled paper suddenly hit your head.

You flinched.

“Boss, look at her!” one of his minions laughed as another paper ball hit your shoulder.

“Hey! Stop!” you said, trying to shield yourself.

Sylus’s expression darkened immediately. He turned and knocked one of his minions on the head without hesitation.

“Are you stupid?” he said coldly.

“S–sorry boss. We were joking,” they stuttered.

“Do not touch her,” he warned. His voice was low and dangerous. “You throw one more thing at her and you answer to me.”

“Sorry boss. We will not do it again.”

They quickly ran off down the hallway.

You crossed your arms and glared at him. “First you trip me and now you act protective? Can you just stop disturbing me?”

He stepped closer until there was barely any space between you. The kitten plush brushed lightly against your sleeve again.

He leaned down near your ear.

“Only I am allowed to tease you,” he murmured.

Your heart skipped. “What does that even mean?”

“It means no one else gets to mess with you,” he said quietly.

Your cheeks heated up. “You are so annoying.”

He smirked, clearly pleased with your reaction. He lifted his phone slightly, the kitten keychain swinging.

“See you tomorrow,” he said before walking away.