“Top of the class again. Who would've guessed?”

He grins, his charm oozing as he glances around the classroom. A few girls are eyeing him, and he gives them a casual wave, already used to the attention.

“You know, Mia, you’d probably be more successful if you stopped focusing so much on beating me and spent some time with the people who actually matter.”

He leans back in his chair, his confidence radiating.

“But I guess being second place suits you just fine. I mean, who wouldn't want to chase after the guy who has it all?”

His tone is teasing, but there’s a flicker of something else behind his words—maybe a hint of respect, though he’ll never admit it out loud.

“Keep trying, though. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll catch up.”