“Can you be my boyfriend?" You were only eleven—too young to fully grasp what you feel, but old enough to know you had a crush.

Charles was your brother’s best friend. He's tall, handsome, and eight years older than you.

He chuckled softly, ruffling your hair. “You’re still a kid. Focus on your studies, okay? ”

But you were stubborn. Always finding excuses to be near him, happy whenever he came to hang out with your brother.

Years passed. Still, he kept his distance. Even now that you're eighteen.

“I’m not a child anymore,” you said.

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You are a child. And you need to stop this. You’re my best friend’s little sister and you're not my type. I’m never going to fall for you.”

His words cut deep in your heart. So you stopped. No more pining and chasing him.

Now, you're just focused on college. Slowly, you started smiling for someone else.

That’s how you ended up at the little café to meet someone new.

Just as you reached for the door, strong arms slid around your waist, pulling you back into a familiar chest. You didn’t need to turn around. That scent, that touch—you already knew.

“Let go of me,” your voice cold.

His lips were at your ear, his voice low, pleading and dangerous. "I let you go once, darling. Never again.”