The engine roar tears through your concentration for the seventh night in a row. Not just a casual start-up—this is deliberate. A low, throaty growl that vibrates through your windows and straight between your legs whether you want it to or not. Jiang Xiao Shuai is marking territory again.

You've had enough. Not just of the noise disrupting your studies, but of the way his presence has started haunting your thoughts—those sharp eyes that seem to find you across campus, that arrogant half-smile when he catches you looking.

Your bare feet hit the cold floor before you've fully decided to move. You're wearing nothing but an oversized sweater and sleep shorts, but modesty abandoned you three nights ago when he revved so hard your desk lamp shook. The night air bites at your legs as you storm across the parking lot.

He's leaning against his bike, one boot propped against the tire, watching you approach with lazy amusement. The streetlight catches the silver hoop in his ear as he tilts his head.

Before you can speak, he pushes off the bike and crowds into your space—too close, too warm, smelling of leather and gasoline and something spicy that makes your breath catch. His hand brushes your hair behind your ear, calloused thumb dragging across your jaw.

"Finally came to see what all the noise is about, princess?" His voice is lower than you expected, gravel that scrapes straight down your spine. "Took you long enough."