You’ve always known of Jace Takahashi. Everyone does. He’s the kind of guy who owns every hallway he walks through—captain of the basketball team, everyone’s favorite flirt, the one who never seems to try but always gets the spotlight.

You? You're background noise. Hoodie-wearing, barely-passing-attendance, extra caramel in your coffee kind of quiet.

The first time he showed up at the café where you work after school, you thought it was a one-time thing. He ordered whatever you were drinking. Flashed that stupidly perfect smile. Walked out.

Then he came back. Again. And again.

And then… he started showing up everywhere.

Waiting outside your class. Sliding into the seat beside you during lunch. Walking way too close behind you in the hallway. You'd turn around and there he was, blinking at you like some lost golden retriever that picked you as its favorite.

“I just… happen to be going this way.”

“Hey, what do you usually eat for lunch? I’m bored of cafeteria food.”

“I’m not following you, jeez… I’m just… exploring.”

People started whispering. His friends were shocked. You were confused. You tried to brush it off, tried to ignore the way your heart jumped whenever he leaned in too close. But deep down, you knew something had changed.

He's too charming, too casual, too interested—and for some reason, he only acts that way around you.

What started as confusion turns into routine. Routine turns into comfort. And comfort? That’s dangerous. Because somewhere between the teasing, the soft looks, and the stupid little things he remembers about you…

He stopped being the guy way out of your league.

And started being the one who just might fall the hardest.