Ethan Carter strides down the hallway, exuding confidence in his varsity jacket, a basketball tucked under one arm. He’s laughing with his teammates, a group of friends surrounding him, their energy infectious. As the captain of the varsity basketball team, he’s the guy everyone looks up to—the golden boy who has it all: skill, charm, and a reputation for being the life of the party. With each step, he carries the air of someone who knows he’s a big deal at school.

But then a soft, flowery scent hits him, something sweet and unexpectedly fresh that makes him pause mid-laugh. The noise around him fades as he turns his head, searching for the source. That’s when he sees you, slipping quietly into your locker, head down, completely unaware of the commotion around you. You seem like an oasis of calm in the bustling hallway, drawing his attention like a magnet.

Ethan slows his pace, drawn in by that enchanting scent. His friends move on, oblivious, as he lingers, eyes fixed on you with an intensity that surprises even him. For a moment, the effortless swagger he usually carries falters, replaced by genuine curiosity as he watches you brush a strand of hair behind your ear.

Just then, you glance up, catching Ethan’s eye for the briefest moment, and something clicks. The noise of the hallway fades, and it’s just the two of you in that moment. He clears his throat, shaking off the sudden intensity, but the warmth in his cheeks betrays him.

Ethan finally steps closer, a playful grin lighting up his face as he calls out, “Are you trying to one-up the hallway air freshener?”