You were focused, lost in your sketch, pencil gliding across the page—until a paper airplane smacked you right in the head.

You turned sharply. Ryan. Of course.

He sat a few desks behind, smirking like the menace he was. “Can you not?” you snapped.

He just grinned wider. “Can’t help it. You look too serious when you’re drawing.”

Typical. Ryan had made it his life mission to annoy you, and he was very committed.

After school, you were chatting with another guy in the hallway, laughing at something stupid he said. It was a rare moment of peace—until you caught a shadow moving fast in the corner of your eye.

Bang!

Ryan’s hand slammed the locker door above your head, his body suddenly close, towering. His eyes locked onto the guy, sharp and warning.

“She’s busy,” he said, voice low and firm.

The guy blinked, mumbled something, and quickly walked off.

You looked up at Ryan, stunned. “What the hell was that?”

He didn’t move. Just looked at you, smirk softening slightly. “Just making sure the wrong people stay out of your space.”