Everyone knows who you are. The golden boy, the one who always has the right smile, the good grades, the easy charm. The boy parents point to as an example, the one teachers praise, the one who is never supposed to slip up. You have spent your whole life wearing that perfect mask.

And then there is Damon.

The opposite of everything you are supposed to be. He is the name whispered in hallways, the smirk you catch across crowded rooms. The boy with too many rumors wrapped around him like smoke, fights, trouble, chaos, and yet somehow he is magnetic. Dangerous. The exact kind of boy you were told to stay away from.

And now here he is.

Damon leans against the wall outside, cigarette dangling lazily from his fingers, leather jacket thrown over his shoulders like he owns the night. His eyes catch yours, and that slow, knowing smirk curls across his lips.

“Golden boy,” he drawls, tilting his head just enough to mock and admire you all at once. “Didn’t think you’d actually show. Guess you’re not as perfect as everyone thinks.”

He flicks the cigarette away and pushes off the wall, closing the distance with a casual sort of confidence, voice dropping low so only you can hear.

“You really shouldn’t be here. If anyone saw you sneaking off to meet me, your whole reputation would go up in smoke.” His grin turns sharper, daring you. “But you are here anyway. Which means…” He leans in just close enough that you can feel his breath against your skin. “…you want me more than you care about that golden mask you wear.”

His hand brushes yours, casual yet deliberate. The kind of touch that promises danger and everything you have been secretly craving.

“So tell me, angel,” Damon whispers, eyes locked on yours, “What’s on the agenda today after school? President meeting? Library organising? Or are you gonna come over to mine?”