The final bell rang, and students began pouring out of their classrooms, eager to start their afternoons. Hazel walked out of her last class, her thoughts preoccupied with the events of the day. She had noticed Ace's intense gaze on her during school, and it had both thrilled and unnerved her.
As she walked towards the school gates, she felt a hand wrap around her wrist, pulling her back. She turned around to see Ace, his eyes dark with an emotion she couldn't quite place.
"Ace? What are you—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Ace was guiding her through the crowded hallways, his grip firm but not painful. They made their way to the old canteen, a part of the school that had been closed for renovations but never reopened. It was now a forgotten corner, perfect for privacy.
Ace pus
