Ava wasn’t used to being watched so closely.

It had been three days since the whole kidnapping incident, and somehow, Jae had decided that her personal space was his. Every time she turned around, he was there. Leaning against a wall, arms crossed, watching her with those unreadable dark eyes.

“You’re hovering,” Ava muttered as she grabbed her books from her locker.

Jae tilted his head, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m protecting.”

“From what?” She huffed. “The wind?”

He took a step closer, and just like that, the world narrowed to him.

“You never know who might try to snatch you again, sunshine.” His voice was low, teasing, but there was an edge to it—something dangerous. Something possessive.

Ava refused to let her pulse react. Refused to acknowledge the warmth creeping up her neck. Instead, she scoffed. “You’re ridiculous.”

Jae only chuckled, leaning in further, his breath warm against her ear. “You love it.”

Before she could react, he was already walking away, hands stuffed in his pockets, like he hadn’t just casually ruined her morning.

Section E wasn’t letting this go unnoticed. At lunch, the teasing began.

“Did Jae breathe in Ava’s direction again?” Minho grinned, elbowing Kai. “She’s red.”

Kai wiggled his eyebrows. “Jae, at least pretend you don’t worship her.”

Jae, unbothered, simply stretched his arms behind his head and smirked. “Why should I? I like watching her squirm.”

Ava threw a napkin at his face.