---
*Ariana's pov*
After the cheer practice with Naomi, I tried my best to avoid Blaze. I didn't want to see his stupid face or deal with his confusing energy.
Later that day, after school activities, I got a text from Kyro:
*"Meet me at the parking lot. I want to take you out… just us."*
Butterflies? Yes. I texted my mom, told her I'd be home a bit late and promised to gist her later.
I slipped into Kyro's car, and off we went.
He took me to the most *amazing park* — full of fairy lights, a little river bridge, and sweet background music playing from nearby cafés. The vibe? Magical.
We walked hand in hand, laughed over silly jokes, tried to outdo each other in a mini dance challenge by the fountain, and even raced to see who could finish their ice cream first (he won, barely).
We talked about random things — favorite movies, embarrassing childhood moments, future dreams… and he actually listened. His laugh? Addicting.
As we headed back, we sang loud and off-key to throwback songs in the car. I hadn't felt that free in a long time.
When we pulled up to my house, Kyro leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips.
"Goodnight, babe," he whispered.I stepped out, waved at him… but then I *froze*.
That feeling — someone watching.
I looked up slowly…
There he was.
*Blaze.*
Standing by his window, shirtless, arms crossed… *watching me*.
His expression unreadable. Dark.
I held my head high and walked into the house. This time, I made sure to lock my window *extra tight*.I stepped out, waved at him… but then I *froze*.
That feeling — someone watching.
I looked up slowly…
There he was.
*Blaze.*
Standing by his window, shirtless, arms crossed… *watching me*.
His expression unreadable. Dark.
I held my head high and walked into the house. This time, I made sure to lock my window *extra tight*.
---
I stepped into the house, the soft click of the door barely echoing through the quiet space. The smell of fresh lavender filled the air — Mom must've lit one of her fancy candles again.
There she was — curled up on the couch with her laptop in front of her, brows slightly furrowed, focused. She looked… peaceful. For once. Probably working on that big contract she wouldn't stop blushing about. I stood there for a second, just watching her. My mom. Strong. Unbreakable. Finally doing what she loves.
She didn't even notice me.
I smirked, tiptoed over, and dropped a kiss on her cheek.
She jumped a little, then laughed softly.
*"Ari! You scared me,"* she said, eyes lighting up.
*"How was school?"*
*"Eventful,"* I muttered with a mysterious smile.
Just as I was about to escape to my room, she called out,
*"Wait, baby."*
I turned.
*"Hmm?"*
She gave me that mom-look — the one that says *I'm asking something lowkey but I already know the tea.*
*"You and Blaze… everything okay? You two didn't come home together."*
I raised a brow, leaned against the wall, and dropped the bomb with a grin.
*"I have a boyfriend now, Mom. That's why."*
Her mouth dropped slightly before it morphed into a wide, gleeful smile.
*"What?! My baby is grown!"* She stood up and hugged me like I just got engaged.
*"A date? Who is he? What's his name? Is he cute? Do I know his parents?"*
I laughed.
*"Calm down! His name's Kyro. And yes… very cute."*
She was glowing — literally dancing with joy — but then her smile softened.
*"I'm happy for you, baby… but maybe next time let Blaze know? He looked… I don't know… off, when he came home earlier."*
I blinked.
*"Blaze? Why would I tell *him* anything?"*
She shrugged with a knowing smirk.
*"No reason… Just saying."*
I rolled my eyes, but deep down… I knew Blaze saw us.
---
*"I'll apologize to him, Mom."* I sighed, defeated.
*"Good,"* she smiled, then casually added,
*"And since you're going, help me drop this cake off for Mr. Hunter. I baked it this afternoon."*
My eyes widened.
*"Mom! I just got back from school!"*
Her brows rose.
*"And? You know what's right, Ariana. I don't like tension between you two — you live right next door, for God's sake."*
I groaned and stormed upstairs like a drama queen, muttering under my breath.
*"Why do I have to be the bigger person?"*
I yanked open my closet, looking for something decent. Just a quick apology drop-off, right? No need for glam— but for some reason… every outfit I tried looked *off*. This top was too wrinkled. That jeans was too tight. My hair wasn't sitting right. Ugh!
*What is *wrong* with me?!*
Then my eyes landed on it — *a silky red pajama dress* I had forgotten I even owned. It was soft, clung to my curves perfectly, with thin straps, a low neckline, and just enough length to make it *barely* appropriate for stepping outside.
I blinked.
*Wait. Why am I trying to look good… for *Blaze*?*I scoffed at myself and turned to grab something else — but Mom's voice echoed up the stairs:
*"Ariana, be fast! I still have work to finish!"*
That was it. No time to switch again. If I waited any longer, she'd catch me mid-outfit and send me next door in nothing but my underwear.
*Red dress it is.*
I slid into the dress, grabbed the cake with a sigh, and walked out. The night air kissed my bare legs as I crossed over. Five minutes later, I was at the Hunters' doorstep.
*I pressed the bell.*
My heart thumped — probably from nerves. Or maybe from… whatever this mess of emotions was.
Whatever. I came to apologize.
Not get sucked back into Blaze's chaotic pull.
…Right?
---
To my surprise, *Miss Leah* opened the door.
She gave me a warm smile, stepping aside.
*"Ariana, hi! Come in."*
*"Hi,"* I replied, forcing a small smile as I walked in.
*"My mom baked this cake and asked me to drop it off for Mrs. Hunter."*
Her face lit up.
*"Aww, how sweet! But Mrs. Hunter's been away on a business trip since yesterday. She should be back tomorrow, hopefully."*
*"Oh... okay,"* I muttered, trying to hide the fact that the cake wasn't the only reason I came.
I hesitated a bit before asking,
*"Is Blaze home?"*
She raised a brow slightly, then nodded.
*"He's upstairs. Probably glued to his game, as usual."*
I gave a short nod.
*"Thanks."*
I started climbing the stairs slowly, each step echoing my thoughts. The air felt heavier the closer I got. My heart? Beating like I was about to confess a crime, not just drop off a cake and apologize.
I reached his door — that dark, brooding wooden door with *Blaze* practically engraved on it in invisible fire.
I raised my hand… and knocked. Once. Twice.
Then waited.
And waited.
What am I even doing here?He opened the door after what felt like forever.
And there he was.
*Shirtless.*
His toned chest glistened slightly like he'd just stepped out of the shower or maybe from a workout. His *signature cologne* hit me hard—rich, dark, addictive. It filled the hallway, filled my lungs, and messed with my brain.
I stood frozen for a second. *Swallowed hard.*
Focus, Ari. Focus.
*"I'm sorry,"* I said, voice a little shakier than I intended.
*"For not telling you I wasn't riding with you this morning. I should've said something. I just—"*
Before I could finish or even breathe properly, I turned to walk away. But his hand shot out.
*Strong. Quick. Warm.*
He *grabbed my wrist* and pulled me into his room without a word.
The door *clicked shut* behind me.
And suddenly, it was just *me and him*, surrounded by tension thicker than the air itself.He was staring into my soul — not just *looking* at me, but *reading* every flicker of hesitation, every breath I took. The room felt still, heavy with something unspoken.
Then, without a word…
*He kissed me.*
Not soft.
Not hesitant.
It was the kind of kiss that stole *air*, *thoughts*, and *sense*.
His lips crashed into mine with a heat I didn't see coming — a mix of anger, tension, and something deeper. My back hit the door as his hand slid to my waist, pulling me closer like he'd been dying to do this, and now that he had, he couldn't stop.
And the wildest part?
*I kissed him back.*
Every ounce of restraint I had *burned away*.
Every insult we'd thrown, every stare, every fight — it all made sense now. This was where it was always going.
And in that moment, with his hand tangled in my hair and my heart beating out of control, I knew…
*Blaze Hunter was dangerous.*
But I had never wanted danger so badly.