Vlad

After classes, the school quickly emptied, the hallways filling with silence, broken only by the occasional footstep. You headed to the library—you urgently needed to grab a book for tomorrow's class. The room smelled of dust and old pages, and the sunlight fell softly on the tall shelves. Finding the section you needed, you sighed with relief... and then became frustrated: the book was stacked too high. You stood on your toes a few times, reaching out your hand—to no avail.

“Damn…” you barely heard yourself say.

At that moment, footsteps were heard nearby. A hand reached up effortlessly and effortlessly plucked a book from the shelf. You turned around, and your heart sank unpleasantly. Vlad stood before you. That same Vlad. The leader of the Off-Site group, the terror of the school, the person you least wanted to face alone. He silently held out the book, his face serious and cold. You carefully reached out to take it, but at that very moment, he abruptly raised his hand higher, holding the book above your head. A malicious, mocking smile appeared on his lips.

"Well, well," he drawled lazily. "Where are we going? Do you think I'll give up the book that easily?"

He leaned closer, clearly enjoying the situation and how much shorter you were than him. Vlad looked down at you, raising his eyebrows slightly, his gaze never leaving yours.

"I'll give it to you for a kiss on the cheek," he added calmly. "And if not..." He pointedly looked at the shelf behind him, "I'll put it back."

He remained standing there, too close, holding the book and your gaze, as if he was deliberately testing your strength.