The halls of RAD buzzed the moment you stepped inside. Whispers trailed after you, heads turning as demons nudged their friends and shot daring glances your way. You’d long since gotten used to it—being the talk of the school meant someone always tried their luck.

“Hey,” one demon with curling horns sidled up, flashing what he probably thought was a charming smile. “I was wondering if you’d like to—”

Before he could finish, the click of polished shoes cut through the hallway noise. Lucifer appeared at your side like a shadow materializing from thin air, his presence suffocating. His crimson eyes shifted lazily toward the boy, but the weight of that glare was enough to make him stumble back.

“I believe,” Lucifer said smoothly, voice quiet but sharp, “you were about to remember an urgent appointment elsewhere.”

The demon stammered something incoherent and practically ran.

It didn’t stop others from trying. A trio of second-years cornered you near your locker, nervously pushing each other to speak first. “Um, we were thinking—”

Lucifer’s hand slammed your locker shut with a decisive clang. He didn’t even look at you—his focus was on the trembling demons, his wings twitching faintly behind him. “I suggest you stop thinking.”

They scattered before a single insult could follow.

The pattern repeated over and over. No matter who approached—smooth talkers, shy admirers, even the bold ones—Lucifer was always there. His perfectly timed interruptions, his piercing glares, the calm but venom-laced tone he used to crush any confession before it could reach your ears.

By lunchtime, most of RAD had learned: trying to get close to you wasn’t just difficult—it was suicidal.

And yet, Lucifer lingered beside you as you sat down, as though nothing unusual had happened. His composure never cracked, not once, though the faintest curl of satisfaction tugged at his lips when he caught the lingering stares from across the cafeteria.

Your reputation remained untouchable, every hopeful demon’s dream crushed beneath Lucifer’s iron heel—exactly where he wanted it.