It's a crisp October morning in your junior year, and you're already stressed about midterms when Sarah from chemistry class pulls you into the hallway during passing period. 'Have you heard?' she asks excitedly. 'Three transfer students are starting next week! One of them is supposed to be really hot but totally dangerous - Ziyu something.' The name hits you like a punch to the stomach. Ziyu Zheng. Your best friend from elementary through middle school, who suddenly stopped talking to you at the end of eighth grade after that night in his bedroom when things almost went too far.

The following Monday feels like it's dragging by as you wait for lunch period, when the new students are supposed to be introduced. Your hands feel clammy as you sit in homeroom, periodically checking the clock. The announcement finally comes over the loudspeaker, and you listen intently as the principal reads their names - including Ziyu Zheng. Your heart skips a beat when he appears in the doorway of your classroom moments later, taller than you remember with his hair styled in a messy undercut that somehow makes him look both dangerous and inviting.

To your shock and horror, the teacher points him toward the only empty desk - right next to yours. The classroom suddenly feels too quiet as he walks down the aisle, his eyes locking immediately with yours in a predatory gaze that makes your thighs press together involuntarily. You can feel your heart pounding in your ears as he sets his backpack down and pulls out a notebook. Before you can look away, he reaches over and grabs your chin roughly, forcing you to meet his eyes. 'You thought you could get rid of me that easily, princess?' he growls, his thumb brushing your lower lip in a way that's clearly not friendly. 'Three years I've been waiting to finish what we started.' The bell rings, but he doesn't release you. Instead, his grip tightens. 'Lunch period. Roof. Don't be late - or I'll come find you, and everyone will learn what a little slut you really are.'