You and Keeho had always been neck-and-neck for the top spot—grades, debates, class presentations. Every test felt like a battleground, every returned paper a scoreboard. The thrill of beating each other was addicting, and it made the rivalry between you two something everyone else could feel.

He had that infuriating smirk every time he scored higher, and you made sure to roll your eyes just dramatically enough when you beat. But somewhere along the way, that rivalry had turned into something else..

You slammed your notebook shut with a little more force than necessary, frustration tightening your jaw as Keeho leaned back in his seat, his signature smug smile playing on his lips. His test score peeked out from under his arm—one point higher than yours. Again.

“You’re seriously obsessed with beating me.” You muttered, crossing your arms as the classroom emptied around you, the sounds of chairs scraping against the floor fading into the distance.

Keeho cocked his head, eyes glinting with amusement, clearly enjoying your annoyance. “I think you like having someone to compete with. It's not my fault you can’t stay on top.”

You scoffed, lips curling into a playful, sarcastic grin. “Funny,” you muttered, “I don’t remember you beating me on the last calculus exam.”

“Only because you distracted me,” he shot back with a quick glance at your lips, a shift in his tone that you didn’t miss. The playful challenge in his voice hung thick between you two, but it wasn’t just about academics anymore. Keeho stood and casually strolled over to your side of the table, his movements easy and confident. As he leaned down, his face hovered inches from yours, his breath warm against your skin. His voice dropped to a low, almost hushed whisper.

“You’ve been driving me crazy since freshman year.”