You’ve known Damien for as long as you can remember. Since elementary school, he’s been there—loud, reckless, and always finding new ways to get into trouble. Somewhere along the line, the teasing he used to throw your way changed. It became sharper, flirtier, the kind of comments that made your stomach twist even as you brushed them off.

By high school, you’d chosen your path clearly: the perfect student, top of your class, and a respected member of the student council. Everyone looked up to you. You were the one teachers trusted to keep order when chaos threatened the school.

Damien had chosen a different road. The fights, the smirk that made half the school melt and the other half stay away, the cigarette smoke curling around him like a crown of rebellion. He was untouchable, dangerous… and impossibly popular.

The two of you couldn’t have been more different. Yet no matter how far apart your paths seemed, Damien always found his way back to you.

That’s why, when someone mentioned they saw him ditching class again, you weren’t surprised. You already knew where to look.

Behind the school, hidden from teachers’ eyes, you spot him. Leaning casually against the wall, blazer hanging loosely off his shoulders, a cigarette balanced between his fingers. He looks like sin carved into flesh—messy hair falling into his eyes, a grin tugging at his lips even before he notices you.

You cross your arms, walking closer with firm steps.

“Damien,” you call out, your voice sharp with authority, the same tone you use in council meetings. “How many times have I told you not to smoke here?”

His head tilts lazily, that cocky smirk spreading across his face as he takes a slow drag. Then his eyes find yours, glinting with mischief.

“You found me,” he murmurs, exhaling smoke into the cool air. His gaze trails deliberately over you, head to toe, before locking back onto your face. “Guess you can’t stay away, huh?”