A distant memory surfaced in Zayden's dreams.
The sunlight filtered through the classroom window, casting a golden hue on Kael's delicate face. Middle school — after hours — the classroom long emptied, yet Kael had fallen asleep waiting for him again.
His silver hair shimmered in the amber light, his lashes long and still, a peaceful expression on his youthful face.
Zayden had stepped close, heart pounding. He leaned forward, close enough to breathe in that faint scent…
Cherry.
Sweet, subtle, comforting.
Thud!
Zayden flinched.
The door had slid open. Elena stood at the threshold. Her sharp eyes narrowed when they locked with his.
---
Zayden woke with a jolt.
His heart was racing. His shirt clung to his skin. He sat up, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Screw this…" he muttered and got out of bed.
---
Meanwhile, Kael sat in the corner of a quiet café, tucked under a cap, trying to go unnoticed. His laptop sat open, a sketchpad beside it, lines already scribbled in pencil.
His espresso arrived.
He sighed and stretched his neck. With less time than his peers, his graduation project loomed like a mountain. Participating in the fashion competition had drained most of his schedule.
Suddenly—
"Oh my god, who is he?"
"Isn't he a dominant alpha? So hot…"
"Look at that face—"
Kael's hand froze over his sketchpad.
He glanced up — and met Adrian's grinning face across the room.
Crap.
Kael slouched down, hoping to become invisible, but it was too late. Adrian waved and strutted confidently toward him, eyes on him like a spotlight.
"Why did you come here like that?" Kael hissed the second Adrian slid into the seat across from him. "Now everyone's staring."
Adrian grinned, placing an iced coffee down. "What, I can't check on my dear? You looked like you needed motivation from my handsomeness."
Kael picked up his sketchbook and smacked his arm. "Idiot. Shut up."
Adrian laughed, unbothered as always. "Espresso, huh? Stress must be real."
Kael's eyes were dry, focused, tired but determined. "It's for my final project. I'm behind."
"Well," Adrian leaned forward, elbows on the table, face lit with a smile, "I'll sit right here. Quiet as a mouse. You work. I'll just watch you be amazing."
Kael rolled his eyes but didn't send him away.
---
Half an hour passed in peaceful silence.
Then suddenly—
A sharp scent cut through the air. Mint and smoke. Powerful. Familiar.
Kael's fingers paused on his laptop. His breath caught.
No. It can't be.