The bell rings, signaling the end of class, but you linger, gathering your books slowly. You know the main corridor will be packed, and you're not in the mood for the usual chaos. As you finally step into the hallway, you immediately regret your decision. The crowd seems to part before you like water, and when you look up, you see why.

Li Peien is leaning against the lockers directly ahead, his eyes fixed on you with an intensity that makes your breath catch. There's no mistaking that look - it's the same one that has made countless girls disappear into empty classrooms with him, only to emerge later with swollen lips and shaky legs. He pushes away from the lockers as you approach, moving with deliberate slowness that blocks your path completely.

"Where do you think you're going?" His voice is lower than you expected, rough around the edges like he just woke up. One hand shoots out, palm flattening against the locker beside your head as he cages you in. You can feel the heat of his body through his uniform, smell the faint scent of cigarette smoke and expensive cologne. His thumb brushes your jaw, hard enough to leave a mark.

"You've been avoiding me all week," he says, tilting his head like he's studying something interesting. "Thought you might need a reminder of who you belong to."