Dominic Cole was a patient guy—until people started messing with Ezra.
The minute he saw Ezra slip out of history class and vanish for over twenty minutes, Dominic knew something was wrong. Ezra never missed class. Never skipped. Never disappeared without explanation. That was Kai's influence—Dominic could feel it.
Kai Rivers was a virus. A silent, elegant, manipulative virus. And Ezra? Ezra was too good, too kind, too trusting.
Dominic clenched his jaw as he watched Ezra return to class, lips slightly red, hair tousled. Something flickered behind his honey-brown eyes—something that made Dominic's stomach twist.
He wasn't just worried.
He was jealous.
Ezra sat through the rest of the lesson pretending his mouth didn't taste like Kai's whiskey-laced kiss. He tapped his pen absently, eyes fixed on the board but mind floating back to the rooftop. To the curve of Kai's neck. To the dare in his voice.
"I dare you to kiss me again."
Ezra had no idea why he followed.
Why he wanted more.
But he did.
And he hated it.
That afternoon, Dominic cornered Ezra behind the gym.
"You skipped class," he snapped.
Ezra blinked. "Yeah, thanks for the update, Dad."
Dominic stepped closer. "This isn't you, Ez. You're being reckless."
Ezra folded his arms. "I'm allowed to take one breath without asking permission, Dom."
"Not with him. Kai isn't just some guy—he's dangerous."
Ezra frowned. "You don't even know him."
"I know his type. Broken inside, plays games with people's heads, thinks pain is currency. I've seen what that looks like."
Ezra's gaze softened. "Dom…"
Dominic looked away. "Just… don't fall for it. He's not worth it."
Meanwhile, Kai stood in the photography darkroom, watching a strip of negatives develop in red light.
Each frame: Ezra on the rooftop. The kiss. The smile afterward.
Jun Kato whistled from across the room. "You're seriously documenting this?"
Kai didn't look away. "Art is war."
Jun snorted. "You say that like you're not falling for him."
Kai turned. "This isn't love. It's control."
Jun raised an eyebrow. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
Later that night, Kai received a message.
Unknown Number:
"I dare you to meet me. Garden. Midnight. Come alone."
Kai narrowed his eyes. He didn't recognize the number.
But he went anyway.
The garden behind the art wing was quiet. Moonlight streamed through the trees. For a second, Kai thought he'd been tricked.
Then Dominic stepped out from the shadows.
Kai didn't flinch. "Ah. The knight in fencing armor."
Dominic folded his arms. "Stay away from Ezra."
Kai laughed. "Are you seriously threatening me?"
"I'm warning you."
Kai stepped closer, toe to toe. "You're in love with him. That's cute."
Dominic's jaw twitched. "This isn't a joke."
Kai tilted his head. "No. It's not. But I'm not going anywhere."
Silence crackled between them. Neither moved.
Then Dominic shoved him—just once, hard enough to make a point.
Kai didn't stumble. He smiled.
"I dare you to hit me next time," he said softly.
Then he walked away.
From the dorm window above, Yuna watched it all.
She leaned back, dialing a number.
"Lena? You said to keep an eye on Kai. He's about to start a war with the entire student council."
Ms. Cross exhaled. "Good. Let him."
In Ezra's room, the Dare Note was pinned on his wall.
He stared at it long after midnight.
"I dare you to kiss me again."
He picked up his phone.
Message to Unknown:
"I dare you to make me regret this."
A reply came instantly.
Kai:
"Challenge accepted."