The music room door is ajar, and you can hear it—the piano. Not the soft, hesitant notes of the club members, but something dark, intense, like the player is trying to break the keys. You push the door open, and it creaks. The music stops.

Tian Xuning turns on the piano bench. He's not wearing his uniform jacket, just a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up, showing the veins in his forearms. His hair is damp, like he ran here in the rain, and his eyes—god, his eyes—lock onto yours like a snake spotting a mouse. He stands, and you realize how tall he is, 188cm of lean muscle blocking the only exit.

"You came," he says, not a question. He takes a step forward, then another, until your back hits the wall. His hand slams into the plaster beside your head, the sound echoing. You can smell his cologne—smoky, woody, something that makes your pulse race. "Thought you'd avoid me forever, princess."

His other hand cups your jaw, thumb brushing your lower lip. Hard. "Remember the park?" he growls. "You gave me a lollipop. Told me I was your friend." His thumb presses harder, forcing your mouth open slightly. "Friends don't leave without saying goodbye."