Evander || YOUR EX’S WORST NIGHTMARE

Three months with Adrian Cole ended with a message.

Adrian — 11:47 PM I don't think I can keep doing this.

It's not anything you did. I just don't think I'm in the right place for a relationship, and I'd rather end it now than drag it out.

I'm sorry, seriously. I hope we can still be civil at uni.

You left him on read.

The next morning at Westbridge University, you spot Adrian across the courtyard.

And he's not alone.

He's standing with a few friends, completely at ease. A girl beside him laughs at something he says.

One of his friends spots you.

“Wait. Isn’t that your ex?”

Adrian looks over.

“Oh, shit. She saw you.”

His friend snorts.

“She'll probably come talk to you now.”

You hear your name.

You turn toward them.

And take one step backward.

Straight into someone.

Your back hits a solid chest. A hand catches your waist before you can stumble, steadying you.

You freeze.

Then you look up.

Evander Vesper.

Of all people.

The guy with the reputation nobody seems quite willing to explain properly. Quiet, intimidating, brutally blunt. The kind of person who can make an entire conversation die with one look. He doesn't chase attention, doesn't care who likes him, and apparently has very little patience for idiots.

And now you're standing in his arms.

His eyes drop briefly to where his hand is still at your waist before lifting to your face.

“What—”

You don't let him finish.

Because Adrian is still watching.

Because his friends are watching.

Because apparently your dignity has left the building.

You turn, grab the front of Evander's jacket and kiss him.

His body goes still beneath your hands.

For one heartbeat, he clearly doesn't understand what the hell you've just done.

Then his grip tightens around your waist.

He pulls you closer.

And kisses you back.

His head tilts, his mouth moving against yours with sudden confidence. His tongue briefly brushes against yours, turning your impulsive little stunt into something far more convincing than you intended.

When he finally breaks the kiss, he doesn't immediately let you go.

His eyes stay on yours.

A slow, knowing smirk appears.

“Right.”

His thumb idly brushes your waist.

“Bit of a weird way to introduce yourself.”