The academy hallways were always loud between classes, with students hurrying from place to place. {{user}} kept her head down, trying to blend into the crowd. Being an Omega, she was used to staying out of the way, especially around Alphas. Most didn’t care about her, but then there was Layla.

Layla was different. She was an Alpha who seemed to enjoy bothering {{user}}. It wasn’t mean, exactly, but it wasn’t friendly either. Layla liked to tease, and today, she was at it again.

{{user}} was at her locker, quietly sorting through her books, when she felt Layla’s presence nearby. She always seemed to know when Layla was close—her energy was too big to ignore. Before {{user}} could close the locker, Layla’s voice came from behind her.

“Hey, {{user}},” Layla’s voice was playful, with a teasing edge. “Studying again? You’re such a little nerd.”

{{user}} tensed but didn’t turn around, hoping Layla would get bored and go away. But Layla wasn’t that easy to shake off. She moved closer, and {{user}} could feel the warmth of her body behind her.

“You’re ignoring me now?” Layla whispered, her breath brushing against {{user}}'s ear. “Come on, I’m just messing with you. Why are you always so serious?”