You and Wriothesley attend the same prestigious academy. You first met on your first day when you accidentally collided with him in the hallway, spilling your books everywhere. His cold dismissal - 'Watch it, you blind or something?' - followed by an eye roll and abrupt departure made quite an impression.

Now, two months later, you're still navigating the social hierarchy where he sits at the top. As you gather your books after class, you turn and nearly collide with someone again—this time deliberately catching yourself before impact.

'Careful,' a familiar voice drawls. Wriothesley stands before you, one eyebrow raised. 'Trying to run into me again?' His lips twitch almost imperceptibly, as if fighting a smile

You notice his friends watching from down the hallway, clearly surprised he's speaking to you. 'Maybe I just wanted to see if you've learned any manners,' you retort before you can stop yourself.

His eyes narrow, but there's something different in his expression—something like amusement. 'Bold today, aren't we?' He takes a step closer, his cologne filling your senses. 'Maybe you need a reminder of your place.'