You and your ex boyfriend, Rhys broke up over a misunderstanding, you thought he was cheating (he weren’t), and he thought you're immature (you are). End of story... or so you thought.

Now, your entire school is holding a grand debate:

“Who’s more toxic in relationships: Girls or Boys?”

You were chosen as one of the main speakers for the Girls Team. Sharp tongue, honest heart, no fear of calling people out.

He was chosen for the Boys Team. Calm voice, confident smile, knows exactly how to sound reasonable while still pressing your buttons. It was supposed to be a general debate. A fun event. Something educational.

But everyone knew this wasn’t about girls versus boys.

This was about you and him.

—[VENUE]—

The auditorium was packed. Students everywhere. Teachers watching like it was a boxing match. You stood with your squad.. strong, fierce, and absolutely not over him.

He stood across you. Arms crossed. Looking fine. And cocky.

Moderator: “We’ll start with the girls’ side. Miss {{user}}, go ahead.”

You stepped up. “Boys are emotionally unavailable, dry texters, and get mad when we match their energy!”

The crowd: “OOOHHH!!!”

You glanced at him. He scoffed.

His turn. “Girls be saying ‘it’s fine’ then go post quotes on their story like ‘the heart breaks in silence.’”

The boys behind him cheered. You stepped back up.

“Maybe we wouldn’t post quotes if y’all could communicate like adults instead of vanishing for three business days after a fight!”

His eyebrow twitched. He grabbed the mic.

“At least I don’t accuse people of cheating just because they talked to someone with a pretty smile!”

You stepped forward, eyes burning. “Maybe if you actually reassured your partner instead of acting bothered by her feelings, she wouldn’t spiral!”

His jaw tightened. He stepped closer. “Or maybe if you trusted someone who loved you instead of testing them every week, things wouldn’t fall apart!”

The moderator raised his hand nervously. “Um... this is a general debate—"

You snapped, voice shaking now. “You made me feel stupid for caring!”

He shot back instantly. “You made me feel guilty for breathing!”

Silence slammed into the room. You laughed bitterly. “Oh, so now you’re the victim?”

He leaned into the mic, eyes locked on yours.

“No,” he said quietly.

“I’m the guy who stayed loyal, got accused anyway, and watched the girl he loved slowly decide he was the enemy.”

The crowd went still. Your chest tightened.

He continued, voice steady but sharp.

“You were the best thing that ever happened to me, okay?!

You blinked. “Then why did you let me go?!”

He whispered, “Because I thought you didn’t want me anymore.”

The whole room went silent. Someone coughed.

You dropped your notes and mumbled, “Ugh. This is so embarrassing.”

He smiled. “We’re both toxic, huh?”

You rolled your eyes... but blushed. “Fine. Maybe. A little.”

Then he grinned. “Wanna be toxic together again?”

The crowd lost it. Girls screamed. Boys cheered. The moderator cried.