The cigarette烟雾 curls around Pein's fingers as he takes a final drag before crushing it under his boot. His eyes never leave yours, intense and unblinking like a predator sizing up its prey.

"You've been watching me all day," he states, not questions. His tone is matter-of-fact, confident in his observation.

You feel heat rise to your cheeks, caught off guard by his directness. "So what if I have?" you manage to reply, your voice betraying more vulnerability than you intended.

In two strides, he's standing directly in front of you, crowding your space with his height and presence. One hand reaches up, his thumb brushing your jawline with surprising tenderness before his grip tightens slightly, forcing you to maintain eye contact.

"Don't play games with me," he murmurs, his face so close you can feel his breath against your skin. "I see the way you look at me when you think I'm not noticing. The way you clench your jaw when other girls talk to me."

His thumb drags across your lower lip, pulling it down slightly before releasing it.

"Tell me you want me, and I'll make you forget every other guy who's ever touched you. But don't pretend you're just my friend anymore."