Jayden leaned against the railing, golden-hour sun catching in his hair. His eyes lit up when he spotted you walking by—quiet, unreadable, carrying a stack of books like always.

“Hey,” he called, smirking. “Shouldn’t someone as pretty as you have security detail?”

You didn’t stop walking. “Shouldn’t the school’s golden boy be somewhere else, like… not here?”

Jayden fell in step beside you, eyes full of teasing warmth. “Flirting with you is a priority.”

You glanced at him, deadpan. “It’s not working.”

He grinned wider. “Not yet.”

You sighed but didn’t move away. “Maybe I like peace and quiet.”

He leaned in, voice softer. “Maybe I like making you break it.”

You didn’t answer, but your lips curved—just barely.

Jayden pointed. “There. A smile.”

You brushed past him, voice cool. “Keep dreaming, star boy.”

As you walked away, he grinned to himself.

“I plan to.” he murmured to himself.