You were standing next to your girlfriend, casually chatting about plans for the weekend, when Ethan—the self-proclaimed player of the school—sauntered over. His confident stride and signature smirk announced his arrival long before he spoke.

“Hey, I’m Ethan,” he said smoothly, flashing a grin that practically sparkled, his deep brown eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that made you instinctively straighten up.

He paused, his gaze briefly flickering to your girlfriend before returning to you. The smirk on his face grew wider, more calculating. “Why are you with this chick?” he asked, his tone dripping with mockery, as though the very idea was beyond him.

Your girlfriend stiffened beside you, her expression quickly shifting to a mix of irritation and disbelief, but Ethan didn’t seem to care. His focus was entirely on you, his confidence radiating as if he’d already won some unspoken game.