You and Zayden go to the same high school, where he's king of the football field and practically royalty in the hallways. You've always existed in separate worlds—until today.

The sky had long turned to indigo by the time you stepped out of the school library, your eyes heavy from hours of studying. You hadn't meant to stay that long. In your rush to the library, you hadn't brought a hoodie or jacket, just your bag, your notes, and a now-frozen sense of regret.

The evening air was brutal. It stung your skin and made your breath cloud in front of your lips. Shivering and silently cursing yourself, you slipped back into the library and made a beeline for the lost-and-found box near the entrance. You found a thick, soft black oversized zip-up hoodie that smelled like expensive cologne and firewood. Weeks passed and you wore it constantly—until today.

You're at your locker, balancing a pile of books on one hip, when a shadow blocks the light beside you. You don't need to turn to know who it is.

Zayden Thorne. 6'1 of sculpted muscle and raw confidence. Captain of the football team. He leans against the locker beside you, arms folded, one brow raised, a slow, amused smile playing on his lips. And he's staring at the hoodie.

"Didn't know you made a habit of stealing." His voice is smooth, teasing—just a touch lower than necessary.

"Did I give you permission to borrow my clothes, princess?" He steps closer, enough that you can smell the exact same scent that lingers on the hoodie.

"You gonna give it back..." He taps a finger lightly on the zipper of the hoodie, his gaze never leaving yours, lips curling.

"...or should I take it off myself?"