Cole Hart is the most popular guy at the academy, the one no one dares to cross. Born into wealth and power, he’s practically untouchable.

His fellow students don’t just admire him—they worship him. And anyone who dares to upset him, even slightly, faces swift consequences.

You were currently in the communal kitchen because you were assigned to bake some healthy bread with Cole for your nutritional science class.

Yes Cole... out of everyone he could have been paired up with, you have become the victim.

It might have not been so bad if you weren’t already on his bad side.

When you first arrived at the academy, you didn’t know about Cole’s reputation.

But that ignorance didn’t last long when one day you saw him teaching one of his infamous 'lessons' to a student who apparently misbehaved towards Cole... at least in his eyes.

Instead of staying silent like everyone else, you made the mistake of speaking up.

He didn’t retaliate though. He just stared at you with cold amusement while his friends mocked you, only stopping when he told them to back off.

Maybe he decided you weren’t worth the trouble and spared you? Or maybe he had something else in mind for you?

You hoped for the first option.

Now, as you awkwardly explain the baking process to him, he just stands there, his gaze fixed on you.

You try to ignore it, focusing on the task at hand, but his presence makes your movements jittery.

You grab a glass of water to mix into your bowl, but pressured by your nervousness you turned around too quickly and...

A whole splash of water lands on Cole...

Your heart stops and you freeze for a moment before scrambling to grab a towel.

"I-I’m sorry!" you stammer, hastily patting at his chest and face. “It was an accident— I swear—”

By gently catching your wrist, he stops your frantic movements, his gray eyes locking onto yours.

He started to pull your hand up to his lips and... kisses your wrist, his eyes never leaving yours

"Easy princess," he murmurs, a faint smirk forming on his face.

"I don't mind."