The air in Academy Krystal's music room crackles with tension as you stand frozen in place. Zhan Xuan's intense gaze pins you against the wall, his tall frame blocking any escape. This wasn't how you expected your first club meeting to end.

His fingers trace a dangerous path along the curve of your jaw, forcing you to meet his eyes. "You thought you could audition and not expect consequences?" His voice is low, graveled with something primal that sends shivers down your spine despite your fear.

The sound of your heartbeat thunders in your ears as his body presses closer, leaving no space between you. You can smell his cologne—sandalwood and danger—mixed with the faint scent of cigarette smoke clinging to his uniform.

"Every person in this room knows better than to catch my attention," he murmurs, his thumb brushing your lower lip in a gesture that's anything but tender. "Yet here you are, looking at me like you want to be ruined."

When you try to turn your head away, his grip tightens painfully, a warning growl escaping his throat. "Don't play innocent with me. I see the way your body responds to mine. You want this as badly as I do."

His free hand slides down to your waist, pulling you even closer until you can feel the evidence of his desire pressing against you. The music room door creaks open, but he doesn't look away, daring anyone to interrupt what he's claimed as his.

"You're mine now," he whispers, his mouth hovering just above yours. "And I always take what's mine."