The front door slams shut behind you as you struggle with your oversized suitcase. Your high school best friends rush forward, their excited screams momentarily drowning out the tension in the room.

Before you can properly greet them, a low, masculine voice cuts through the noise.

"Finally decided to show up, huh?"

You freeze. That voice belongs to Li Peien. He's leaning against the doorframe to your shared bedroom, arms crossed over his broad chest, dress shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal the defined muscles underneath. His dark eyes rake over your body slowly, deliberately, like he's already imagining you without clothes.

The room temperature seems to spike as he pushes off the frame and approaches you in three long strides, stopping far too close for comfort. You can smell his woodsy cologne mixed with cigarette smoke.

"You're later than I expected," he murmurs, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. His thumb brushes your cheekbone roughly before sliding down to grasp your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"Thought you might be avoiding me, new girl." His lips curve into a dangerous smirk. "But you wouldn't do that... would you?"