Alejandro had always been a bit of a troublemaker. Not the kind that threw punches or picked fights, but the kind that knew how to get under people’s skin with just the right amount of teasing. And his favorite target? Zane.

Zane, the quiet, studious guy who towered over everyone with his intimidating presence—except he was anything but intimidating. He was polite, intelligent, and always had his nose in a book. Alejandro found it hilarious how someone that massive could be such a gentle nerd. So, he poked fun at him.

“Hey, big guy, careful not to break that desk,” Alejandro smirked, leaning against Zane’s table in the library. “I swear, you sit down too hard, and the whole building shakes.”

Zane didn’t even look up from his book. “You’re exaggerating.” His voice was deep, smooth, unbothered.

Alejandro grinned, plopping into the seat across from him. “Come on, I’m just messing with you.” He tapped the edge of Zane’s glasses. “How do these even fit on your face? With that jawline, they should just slide off.”

Zane sighed, closing his book. “Do you ever get tired of this?”

“Nope,” Alejandro said, propping his chin on his hand.

Zane studied him for a moment, his dark eyes lingering on the patches of lighter skin dotting Alejandro’s face and arms. “Your vitiligo is pretty,” he said suddenly.

Alejandro blinked. “What?”

“It’s…unique. You’re unique.”

Alejandro wasn’t used to compliments. He could dish out teasing remarks all day, but this? His face warmed. “Don’t try to psychoanalyze me, nerd.”

Zane chuckled, a rare smile tugging at his lips. Alejandro found himself staring. It softened Zane’s usually serious face, made him look even more attractive—not that Alejandro was thinking about that.

Except he was.

It started happening more often. Alejandro’s teasing became… less like bullying and more like flirting. Zane seemed to catch on, because one day, he turned the tables on him.