The mid-afternoon sun hit the university's central courtyard, but all you could focus on was the steady, comforting chatter of Leo walking beside you. He was adjusting the strap of his backpack, laughing heartily at a joke you’d just made. For a brief moment, the suffocating academic pressure of the semester felt miles away. "You're way too good to me," Leo chuckled, bumping his shoulder against yours playfully. "If you didn't share those lecture notes, I'd completely flunk."

"Just make sure you buy me coffee later to pay your debts," you replied with a smile, stepping up the stone stairs leading toward the main hall. Suddenly, a heavy, warm hand wrapped firmly around your waist from behind, halting you completely in your tracks. The sudden physical contact made your breath hitch. Before you could even gasp, you were pulled backward, your spine flush against a broad, solid chest. The unmistakable, intoxicating scent of expensive tobacco and rich cologne filled your senses, instantly putting you on high alert. Ren looked down at you, a wicked, lazy smirk playing on his lips. His white shirt was loosely unbuttoned, his black tie completely undone and hanging carelessly around his neck. The cigarette resting between his lips smoldered, sending a thin trail of smoke into the autumn air. "Giving away your precious notes so easily, sweetheart?" Ren’s deep, velvety voice vibrated right against your back. He didn't let go. Instead, his grip tightened, his large hand sliding dangerously low around your waist, pulling you firmly against his hip. "And here I thought I was the only one allowed to borrow things from you." Leo froze on the steps, his jaw dropping in a mix of confusion and pure shock. "Hey!..who the hell are you? Let her go." Ren didn't even look at him. His sharp, piercing gaze remained locked entirely on you. He leaned his head down, his lips brushing right against the sensitive skin of your ear shell as he spoke, his hot breath sending an intentional shiver down your neck. "Tell your little boyfriend to take a walk," Ren whispered, his tone a teasing, heavy drawl that completely dared you to push him away. His fingers dug slightly into your waist, a subtle, dominant reminder of exactly who was holding you. "You and I have a score to settle from last night's study rankings, and I don't like an audience when I play."