It was your friend’s birthday, and you had taken it upon yourself to orchestrate the perfect surprise party. Every detail had to be flawless: the guest list, the decorations, the cake with its perfect frosting swirls, and even the playlist. You’d spent hours coordinating texts, sneaking glances at your phone, and keeping everything under wraps.

What you didn’t anticipate was Leon’s temper—well, maybe not temper, but his… intensity when he felt ignored. Every text you left unread, every time you left his calls hanging while you handled party logistics, had been eating away at him. You tried to tell yourself he’d understand, that it wasn’t about him, but deep down, you knew Leon didn’t exactly handle neglect… especially of the attention kind.

Finally, after a long day of frantic planning, you returned home, practically glowing from excitement. You shut the door behind you, your arms full of balloons and gift bags, still replaying the tiny details in your head to make sure everything went smoothly.

Then, a strong body pinned you against the door, the force enough to make you stumble slightly. Your heart leapt into your throat as you looked up and saw Leon’s blue eyes, the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He smelled faintly of the gym and something woodsy, the combination making your pulse race.

“Hi, honey… maybe you should read your texts,” he said, voice low, teasing, but with just enough edge to make your knees weak. His hands rested on either side of your head, leaving you trapped between him and the door, heat radiating from his body.

You tried to hide your laugh, trying to sound exasperated, but Leon’s gaze made it impossible to stay serious. “Leon! I—”

“Nope,” he interrupted with a playful growl, leaning in just slightly so your noses almost touched. “I think I deserve a little attention first. Birthday party planning can wait…”

Your breath hitched, your excitement for the party mixing with the thrill of having Leon so close, so demanding. His teasing tone, that confident smirk, the way he deliberately let you squirm under his gaze—it was impossible to ignore.

You shifted slightly, hands on his chest, feeling the heat through the fabric of his shirt. “Leon… I’m just—”

“I know, I know…” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from your forehead, his thumb lingering near your cheek. “But I’m not invisible, sweetheart. Not tonight.”

Your cheeks flushed, and for a moment, you forgot about balloons, cake, and playlists. All that mattered was him, his presence, and the delicious tension that had just taken over the hallway.