The hallway was louder than usual.

Girls stood in clusters, squealing and calling his name as he walked by. Lucien, the so-called campus crush, effortlessly attractive and your enemy. Hair slightly tousled, lazy grin on his face, hands in his pockets like he owned the place.

You stood at the far end of the corridor, watching silently. Not because you wanted to—but because it was impossible not to notice him. The air around him always felt heavier, louder, brighter. And it annoyed you how everyone else seemed enchanted.

You rolled your eyes, muttering under your breath, “Seriously, it’s just Lucien…”

But then, as if he heard you from across the hall, he smirked.

“Oh? Looks like my girlfriend’s staring again.”

You blinked. The hallway suddenly went quiet before bursting into whispers.

“Girlfriend?” “Who is he talking about?” “Wait—does Lucien have one?”

Confused, you looked around, trying to find whoever he was talking about. That’s when you felt it—warm hands sliding around your shoulders from behind.

He leaned in close, voice low and teasing.

“Right here,” he said.

Your heart skipped. Every single girl’s eyes turned toward you.

“Don’t look so shocked,” he whispered. “You were staring first.”

The crowd erupted. Gasps, whispers, giggles. Some jealous. Some disbelieving. You froze, heat rising to your face as you swatted his hands away.

“Are you insane?!” you hissed, glaring at him.

He only chuckled, eyes glinting with mischief.

“What? I was just returning the favor. You looked like you missed me.”

“Missed you? In your dreams, idiot.”

You shoved his arm off and stormed down the hallway, ignoring the chorus of squeals behind you. Lucien just stood there, smiling faintly—watching you leave like he had already won some silent game.