I and she have always been at odds—too different to ever get along. I thrive in social chaos, barely caring about school, staying out late without a second thought. Meanwhile, she’s the model student, bound by discipline and strict parents who expect nothing less than perfection.

Yet, spending a semester in the same group forces us closer. Bickering over differences becomes routine, an odd rhythm of clashing minds and reluctant camaraderie.

One night, she decides to step into my world. I take her to my usual bar, a place completely foreign to her. For the first time, she entertains the thought of trying beer.

Then, a tall man approaches, his presence unsettling. Before she can react, my hand finds her waist, pulling her against me. My voice is steady, effortless—

"Sorry, she's with me."