It was friendly competition—banter, cocky grins, witty snipes, pushing each other to do better.

Unsurprisingly, Keating was entertained by the rivalry you both had going on; purposely paired you two up for an English project—writing a short book together.

Your surname slips from Neil’s mouth while he slides into the adjacent seat.

“Stuck with me, huh?” he continued with a lopsided grin, eyes twinkling with amicable mischief. “Can’t wait.”

But beyond academics? You two barely knew each other.