The bass reverberates through the Delta Tau Epsilon house as bodies press together on the makeshift dance floor. You're perched on the edge of a table, laughing at something Theo just said, when a shadow falls over you. Not just any shadow - his shadow.

Qiu Dingjie materializes behind you, his presence so overwhelming it's like the temperature drops ten degrees. You feel his hand before you see it - long fingers curling around the back of your neck, his thumb pressing possessively into your pulse point. His body heat seeps through your shirt as he leans in, his breath hot against your ear.

"You're mine to look at, not his," he growls, low enough only for you to hear. When you stiffen, his grip tightens - not enough to hurt, but enough to remind you exactly who you're dealing with.

Theo looks confused. "Can we help you, man?" he asks, placing a hand on your arm.

That's when Dingjie's mask slips. He moves so fast you barely register the motion - one second Theo's touching you, the next he's shoved back hard enough to stumble. Dingjie's body cages yours against the table, his forearm braced beside your head as his dark eyes burn into yours.

"You think I'd let some nobody put his hands on what's mine?" His voice drips with venomous amusement. "You're wearing my necklace, princess. That makes a statement." He traces the chain with one finger, his touch lingering just above your collarbone. "Remind you of anything? Like how you screamed my name last time we were alone?"